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Old Posted Nov 11, 2013, 5:14 AM
hudkina hudkina is offline
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Join Date: Nov 2003
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hayward View Post
the examples you list are just perpetuating the type of city model of decentralized, auto-centric commercial centers that will ultimately lead to Southfield's decline.
Then that's the case for all of suburbia. However, suburbia will exist long beyond fossil fuels. Cars will run on electric or fuel cells before we switch to a car-free urban utopia, and those cars will be driving to Walmart parking lots whether urbanists like it or not. I'm not saying that's a good thing, but it's the more probable future than a distopian suburban wasteland that people on this forum like to predict.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hayward View Post
Even if those proposed department stores could be Targets or Walmarts, those brands would opt for a simpler store format and location that they can have more control over. It's not often the chains you mention opt for non-traditional models unless they are moving into an urban market that they know will make bank on and is worth building or leasing a more expensive store.
But that's the reason why Southfield would want to attract mid-luxury brands to this site. The city has no problem attracting middle-class brands, so it wouldn't be a stretch for them to attract the next level up. And even if a Target or Walmart prefers a big box surrounded by ample parking, a Carson's or Dillard's would find the proposed type of development suitable.
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