Wading into downtown architecture

Photo by Ryan Garza of The Flint Journal

The wonders of Photoshop, courtesy of Randy Gearheart

I'm not thrilled with the look of the new Wade Trim Building — it seems a little soulless to me — but it's hard to complain too much about any upgrades to downtown Flint. And this Ryan Garza photo of the city's incongruous architectural styles makes Flint's emerging hodgepodge of buildings look sort of appealing. Sometimes no planning at all somehow ties together in a weird, unexpected way. Of course, the Genesee Towers aren't long for this world, so this mismatched triumverate will eventually be a duo. And that might not be such a bad thing either.

Update: Here are a few comments on this post from Flint residents:

slick says: My opinion is that to see it up close and personal it's actually not bad.

There is actually green grass in downtown flint. hopefully it will not turn to weeds.

I can't speak from an architectural point of view, but it certainly looks better than the run-down plywood covered edifice which preceded it.

Downtown is starting to come together...seriously....to hear comments from those residing afar doesn't give it justice imho.

Being one in the trenches here in the good old vehicle city, I can see the change.

Scottr says: I don't understand why people expect a city's downtown to 'blend'. It needs buildings of all ages and styles - new, old, and in between. Flint is finally starting to get that mix, yet out comes all the critics who want nothing but art deco or some such design. I love old buildings, but if all of them were from the early 20th century, downtown would be a very boring place, and no better than an aging strip mall in the suburbs.

Personally, I like it. I think it's got a classic look with a modern flair to it. It's honestly one of the most attractive new builds downtown has seen in 3 decades, including most anything at UM-Flint. And I'm very interested in seeing what the CFGF and Health Plus may do.


Correction: The original version of this post described the Wade Trim as a "refurbished" building. It is an entirely new structure. Thanks to Scott for catching this mistake.

Gov. Granholm visits Flint

Anyone who knows anything about Flint knows not to get too excited when politicians show up announcing the city is turning the corner, on the way up, making a fresh start, or any other vague cliché about economic improvement.

But it does appear that things are getting marginally better downtown, and Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm showed up today to tour the newly refurbished Community Foundation Building — former home of Dale's Foods for Health and Baker Drugs — and the soon-to-be open Wade Trim building. Both projects are spearheaded by Uptown Developments.

For the record, the governor described the projects as "cool" and "cutting edge," which doesn't inspire confidence, but let's think positive.

Here are some beginning, middle and end photos of the foundation building at the corner of S. Saginaw and W. First Streets. For video, go here.

(Photo by Jar With Most)

(Photo by sarrazak6881)