The 10 List - Reinventions You Must See

by Nettie Boivin

March 4th, 2008 in Ann Arbor, Art, Creative, Detroit, Features, Flint, Gallery, Lansing, Lansing / Jackson, Newsletter, The 10 List, The Reinvention Issue

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From architecture and art to hot cars and urban spaces, the March 10 List features reinventions that you absolutely must see.

1. Detroit Institute of the Arts (DIA) - Reopened after an enormous renovation in November 2007, the DIA is breaking from tradition in its approach to exhibitions and events — and membership is booming. While reinventing itself, the DIA maintains its position among the best art museums in the world.

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2. Campus Martius Park - The Detroit park has become the center of the city and it’s only going to get better. Check out the proposed designs for the new Cadillac Center.

3. Grand Rapids - Maybe this is more of smart evolution than a reinvention. But what used to be known as a small, pleasant town with good God-fearing Christians is all grown up. Grand Rapids is leading the state with a booming medical and research district; lofts, restaurants and new hotels opening along the riverfront; and interesting people breathing new life into old neighborhoods.

4. The Ann Arbor Film Fest - Not as much of a reinvention as an institution that we should all be proud of. Last year, Variety included the event in its “10 Festivals We Love” — narrowed from a field of 6,000. Festival organizers recently battled the State on funding and censorship issues. A testament to the passion of the festival’s supporters, the effort, led by Executive Director and Hollywood transplant Christen McArdle, raised $75,000 in less than a year to keep the independent spirit alive.

5. Detroit Riverfront - Finally, Detroit boasts a walkable, wonderful riverfront with all the bells and whistles — literally — decked out with fountains, a carousel, summer concerts and hundreds of people enjoying the view of the Detroit River and Canada just across the way.

6. Civic Theater - Reopened in 2006, this century-old theater in Grand Rapids had a $10 million face lift.

7. Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) - Another major art museum reopened last October. GRAM was the first LEED-certified fine art museum in the world and continues to impress architecture critics as well as visitors.

8. Saturn & Cadillac - I’m not what you would call a car enthusiast. But I can’t help but notice that some of the American brands are succeeding in reinventing themselves. Saturn’s “Rethink” campaign has taken them from “young and economical” up to “smart.” And Cadillac is suddenly sexy with its new campaign featuring Kate Walsh. The CTS now has 30-somethings drooling, a giant leap considering their tradition of more “mature” customers.

9. Lansing Old Town - Old Town topped 50 other communities in Ikea’s “Small Businesses, Big Dreams” contest, which honored the nation’s most creative business districts. See photos of the makeover here.

10. Downtown Flint - Once again, it’s the arts battling urban decay, and those with financial resources are noticing. In this case, it’s live/work spaces like Red Ink Studios.

After a five-year stint in Chicago, Nettie returned to her native Michigan to discover the state's infinite production of creativity. As editor of MiLifeMiTimes.com and Media Mix Director for BrainGain, Nettie spends her time writing about and promoting Michigan's reinvention through its outstanding arts, culture and creative talent.