A Map at Atlas? Go figure.
Posted by: Alissa Ampezzan
Recently, I read an article in Metromode about Detroit Regionalism and it made me think of a photo I snapped during the Q retreat. The crew had dinner at Atlas Global Bistro on Woodward (which was delicious!). In the foyer of the restaurant was a sprawling map of Detroit’s suburbs on the wall. As a downriver native (Taylor, see arrow on map), I was excited to see a reference to the surrounding suburbs, when usually it is the opposite. References to the city are everywhere in the suburbs, but rarely is the relationship flipped.
When I lived in Chicago and was asked where I hailed from, my response was “Detroit.” Only when the person said, “Me too!” did I clarify, “Well, downriver. Taylor specifically.” I’ve noticed that my relationship with the city is one of convenience, a topic addressed more eloquently in the article by Grunow, “The one common element is that city and suburb, while geographically proximate stay unnaturally divided. Especially in this sad season of Detroit politics, it is so easy to ogle at the political meltdown but keep a manufactured distance from the maelstrom.” I hope not to be associated with its shortcomings, but feel proud of its triumphs. And, in the wake of Tuesday’s decision, I can’t help but hope maybe that will change. (I know, I know. “Hope” and “change,” gotta love those buzz words.)
I have never lived in the city so I suppose I will never be a true Detroiter, but it’s nice to see that the designer of this wall piece recognized the interdependence of Detroit and its suburbs. I’m proud to say I’m from southeastern Michigan and it’s nice to see it celebrated once in a while.
