"Our stakeholders made it clear during 1991 that they wanted to see bricksand mortar...they wanted new development...a new downtown, rather than aghost town in our central business district...business reinvestment thatwould bring good jobs back to the city and a reduction of our double-digitunemployment rate and a strengthening of our neighborhoods," Archer said. "Since 1994, we have seen $12 billion invested in the city."

He pointed out that construction on the new world headquarters for Compuware Corp. has begun. Right next door, the Premier Garage, a city underground parking structure is also well underway. In the next block, new loft housing units are being developed in what was formerly an office building. The steel is also rising on Ford Field, the future home of the Detroit Lions, right next door to Comerica Park. Progress is ongoing for the General Motors Wintergarden and their other major renovations, while Riverfront Pedestrian Park and Campus Martius development, including a very special centrally located public park are progressing nicely, he said.<p?"We are very excited about the increase in high tech companies and other Internet-related businesses in our central business district. We continue to work on attracting department stores and major hotels to downtown Detroit," Archer said.

He said it is important to examine the progress in the neighborhoods. "For instance, the Pistons-Palace Foundation and other corporations have spent $11 million to upgrade 33 playgrounds in the City of Detroit. Phase One of the Northwest Activities Center renovation was made possible by 10 outstanding organizations -- including six of our leading foundations. Ford Motor Company will make it possible for the second phase to be completed. Moreover, these groups made $12 million available for the reconstruction and expansion of four recreation centers in Detroit -- including the newly renovated Lipke Center."