Is it just me, or has there been a slight shift in attitudes towards our downtown as of late?Windsorites have always been a somewhat pessimistic bunch, but there seems to be a desire, scratch that - a need - to believe that we are capable of something more than simply our Sin City reputation of Rub 'N Tugs and the Windsor Ballet. You hear reference to "change" a lot in the media and from our politicians lips, but this is different. It seems as though the citizens of Windsor, tired of waiting for our benevolent dictator to swoop in and rescue us, are picking up the torch ourselves and collectively determining our own future.
That sentiment was palpable at the Windsor Armouries last night, as hundreds of citizens clamoured for chairs in the hopes that what they were going to hear was more than just wishful thinking on the part of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO). This was obviously not a City of Windsor presentation, as the notable lack of thousand dollar artist renderings and high-priced consultants allowed room for the sense of hope and sincere desire for progressive change of the residents. This wasn't a snow job meant to dupe people into swallowing a mystery pill that would give them heartburn for years. This was the real deal.
And a real opportunity for Windsor to define itself as a true cultural destination. The DWBIA's ever-optimistic president, Larry Horwitz, was on hand to outline how a revitalized Armouries building would strengthen the fabric of a rejuvenated core. Maestro John Morris Russell outlined the strengths this fabulous building possesses which would put this city in the North American big leagues. And WSO board president Vicky Kyriaco-Wilson went into the business case that proved it was within Windsorites best interest to throw their support behind this project. (click here for the power point presentation she delivered at the open house) From today's Windsor Star...
Kyriaco-Wilson announced in a presentation that the WSO will be asking the City of Windsor for $60,000 to partially fund an economic feasibility study on the renovation project.
According to Kyriaco-Wilson, the money the WSO is requesting from council could come from the city's "Culture Capital Projects Budget," which set aside $125,000 of taxpayer money (ed: which, according to Kyriaco-Wilson, is left over from last years budget) for arts and culture projects in Windsor.
The Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association has already committed $10,000 to the study. Kyriaco-Wilson said the WSO has raised an additional $10,000 from donors, and is seeking provincial and federal grants to cover another $20,000, bringing the total cost of the feasibility study to $100,000.
I just wish that I had the audio capabilities to let you hear how amazing the sound is in this hall, with the Windsor Community Orchestra and a quintet of WSO brass players demonstrating the aural capabilities of this heritage building - as it sits in all of it's original splendour. If there was ever a need for the people of the city of Windsor to voice their support, now is the time.
It is evident that contrary to popular belief, Windsorites have not given up on their city. They are actively working at bringing about positive change. Take SDW reader James Coulter's vision (inset picture) of what our core could accomplish with some visionary leadership and the testicular fortitude to do what they know is right. The 200 - 300 people who came out to the Armouries last night is a testament to the desire to reclaim our downtown. We just need to bring more people into the fold, and as Maestro John Morris Russell asked us to do last night - talk to your friends, family and relatives about the possibilities and get in touch with our municipal decision makers.
Mayor Eddie Francis, 350 City Hall Square West, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 6S1, 519-255-6315, mayoro@city.windsor.on.ca
Ward 1 - Dave Brister, 847 Lounsborough, Windsor, Ontario, N9G 1G3, 519-250-7960, dbrister@city.windsor.on.ca
Ward 1 - Drew Dilkens, 3125 Massey Court, Windsor, Ontario, N9E 2Z6, 519-250-5607, ddilkens@city.windsor.on.ca
Ward 2 - Ron Jones, 390 Randolph Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 2T6, 519-252-1005, rjoones@city.windsor.on.ca
Ward 2 - Caroline Postma, 841 Bruce Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, 519-971-0728, cpostma@city.windsor.on.ca
Ward 3 - Alan Halberstadt, 2517 Gail Road, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 2Z7, 519-973-8323, ahalberstadt@city.windsor.on.ca
Ward 3 - Fulvio Valentinis, 2173 Victoria Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, N8X 1P8, 519-977-5067, fvalentinis@city.windsor.on.ca
Ward 4 - Ken Lewenza Jr., 1741 Tourangeau Road, Windsor, Ontario, N8Y 4J9, 519-948-9328, klewenza@city.windsor.on.ca
Ward 4 - Bill Marra, 2475 Buckingham Drive, Windsor, Ontario, N8T 2B4, 519-948-0900, bmarra@city.windsor.on.ca
Ward 5 - Jo-Anne gignac, 246 St. Rose Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, N8S 1X2, 519-945-4434, joagignac@city.windsor.on.ca
Ward 5 - Percy Hatfield, 3025 Claxton Court, Windsor, Ontario, N8R 1P9, 519-739-9575, phatfield@city.windsor.on.ca
Feel free to call 311 to verify your Ward representation. You can make a difference!
ED (12/06/07): From today's Windsor Star, Gord Henderson with these words of wisdom...
"We could, if the community desire is there, make this happen and demonstrate that Windsor is more than a sports-loving, blue-collar burg that's down on its luck"
7 comments:
I developed a passion, or least an appreciation, for classical music in highschool. Kurt Kauffman, an eclectic Eric Clapton look-a-like, dragged us the DSO to give us some culture. His vision of the arts, including modern art, classic architecture, philosophy, etc., contributed, in a very profound way, to the individual that I am today.
Investing in the dream of a rejuventated core through the a downtown concert hall would be outstanding. Future generations would garner an appreciation for the finer points of living. I'm not much for tea and crumpets, but I am a sucker for sultry strings, bright brass and haunting call of the obo. If we can bring the symphony, and the broaded arts, to the masses, we have a chance to reform Windsor. Young and old, single and married, the demographic appeal of the arts is without limit.
If we can get behind this and, as Mark said in a recent comment, plan for the future, we'll see some real change in Windsor, both physically and spiritually.
this is a comment i posted on International Metropolis in a post about the Armouries. I feel it applies here somewhat as well. It was made in reference to someone saying that the price tag floating around regarding the conversion costs too much.
build a new facility?? The whole point of reusing the armouries is sustainability and reuse. Infill. Not to mention bringing a huge part of Windsor’s history back to glory. Making it a top notch attraction instead of being vacant.
While the price may seem large, the benefits it could have to the entire city are unthinkable. To have people think of Windsor as something other than a lunch bucket town is huge for attracting investment. A world-class venue in a derelict part of the core can spur growth and investment in the immediate area.
The federal and provincial governments have heritage and cultural grants that can be accessed (im sure mark can correct me if i'm wrong). Hopefully the WSO puts up a large sum of cash as well as starts a donation campaign to raise funds. The DWBIA always seems eager to provide at least some sort of cash investment when it comes to luring major tenants downtown, which is great to see.
All of these, and I’m sure I am missing some, could significantly reduce the cost. This is also something for our administration to show leadership on and encourage our neighbours in LaSalle, Tecumseh, Essex, even Amherstburg and Leamington, that an investment in a project such as this can reap benefits for the entire region in attracting workers and families lured in by a higher quality of life in the area. Those towns can use the enticement of living a quiet rural life while being only a half hour drive to world-class Canadian facilities. No need to cross the border. No need to exchange currency. Spending money locally.
in addition to that, im sure that everyone knows that NOW is the time for Windsor to change its dependence on the manufacturing and automotive industry. My personal opinion is that the conversion of the Armouries into a world class symphony hall is as good a start as anyone could even imagine or have asked for. I know that no single project can alone transform the downown core, but this has the potential to do so much more than the casino, canderel, bus depot, and casino expansion combined. this is something an entire FAMILY can enjoy.
This cultural "gem" will be situated next to the soon-to-be-constructed Burger King (which is a publicly-traded company now, Mr. Francis), across the street from the old and still vacant Greyhound/Transit Windsor depot and adjacent from the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel ventilation building; surely, such obvious contrasts can't be overlooked. However, the conversion would be compatible with the current effort to transform Windsor's downtown.
Granted, it seems as though the cards are stacked against this location, doesn't it? McCrappyFood joints and abandoned buildings left-right-and-centre. Doesn't seem like the perfect place for a world-class concert hall.
(I would argue that the old bus station is a big benefit, though. When the Armouries gets renovated, this beautiful "streamliner modern" architecture structure will spring back to life as long as it is still standing, that is. Peel away that tacky siding and you're left with a gem underneath - see http://internationalmetropolis.com/?p=502)
Yet, when you look at the obstacles standing in the way of a rejuvenated downtown core, they seem pretty tame. The possibilities of success are better situated next to a fast-food joint than a rub 'n tug. Barely, but better nonetheless.
How can we get rid of those massage parlours, anyways?
While it seems as though we're accepting the crumbs offered to us, I would argue that we've just got to start somewhere. We need to notch a "win" in our column, as John/Joan Q. Public has all but written off our core. We need to show what's possible, and since I'm not holding my breath waiting for the University, this projects has the best legs so far.
abandoned/vacant buildings can easily be overcome with incentives.
i agree with chris that the former bus depot is a benefit. All it takes is creativity. Do you not recall the suggestion of making it a year round market?
while a burger king may not be the best neighbour, can there not be guidelines put in place in regards to the eventual look/design of the building? any way to ensure that it won't be one of the tacky designs that they all are?
ac hit the nail on the head when he/she stated that abandoned buliding can be overcome with incentives. Just look at downtown Detroit to see what success it. Why doesn't the city have incentives?
I have been told they are illegal because of the municipal act. However, why are other cities such as Brantford doing it? Yes, thse buildings can be overcome and the catalyst for that would be a revitalized Armouries.
Do people (especially council and mayor) not realize that it is the small things make make the largest impacts instead of grandiose ideas (like another bank building downtown to be built only to make another building vacant).
Granted, this is quite a few dollars but there are a lot of gov't grants available that can offset a large portion of the cost. The city should put it's money where it's mouth is and do the right thing. Get r done!
Dave, we did put our money where our mouths are -- $65 million for a new arena (which nobody, outside of council and the Spits wanted) and the earmarked $75 million to by half the tunnel from Detroit. (Thanks to International Metropolis for reminding me about this one!)
Windsor wants so desperately to be the "next big thing" that it will do anything to be seen as a player in the big leagues. There is nothing wrong with being a farm team, or even little league as long as we do little league the very best we can.
We need to spot the splurge spending mentality of council and administration and work on taking care of what we have.
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