The Challenge

The mid-20th Century problem of physical stag-
nation and human waste at the inner core has
plagued every large city in America. Nationally,
slum areas were producing 6% of the Cities' revenues
while consuming 45% for urban services.

Since before World War II, slum and blight areas
have hampered Detroit's growth and development,
drained its resources and impaired its physical
appearance. Only bold and farsighted action to chal-
lenge the inevitability of complete decay in the inner
city could halt the disastrous course of history.

The enormity of the Gratiot Redevelopment under-
taking is partially measured by the thousands of
people directly involved, the dollars spent and the
many years required to accomplish the task. As the
first city in the nation to begin residential redevelop-
ment under the Federal Housing Act of 1949,
Detroit's accomplishment is also a pioneering achieve-
ment, requiring the initiative and boldness to mark a
new path, the courage to break with tradition and
the willingness to make considerable material sacri-
fice. These are the qualities needed for our cities to
survive and grow, and the survival and growth of
our cities can be attained only by the fulfillment of
urban renewal goals.

The following pages tell the story of the renewal of
an area of 129 acres, the relocation of nearly 2,000
families, the revitalization of a city's central resi-
dential area, and the subsequent stimulus given to
the downtown business and finance center.