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Sonic's got it right, I'm afraid .....
To see what can be done (albiet on a smaller scale) take a look about 90 miles north in Bay City. Over the past several years, the changes have been impressive to say the least. Several waterfront condo projects, a new Double Tree hotel complex on the waterfront opening this past summer, numerous local restaurants and pubs, lots of retail, banking, etc. There are events every weekend in the summer on the riverfront. It's one of Michigan's few thriving downtown areas. The key has been some forward-thinking and enthusiastic government leaders who have been willing to work with local developers. Well, that and a focus on getting people to live downtown. There are numerous high-end condos - that really stabilizes things. It's quite contagious and I'm considering renovating an old building myself for our new office space with loft apartments above.
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