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Originally Posted by Hayward
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.
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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
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.
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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.