If you live in or near Detroit, you are familiar with the recession, which began roughly around December 2007, and still seems to exist. Detroit, with its background in automotive manufacturing, was hit very hard during our country's economic downturn. What you may not know, however, is how city planners plan to breathe new life into what many consider a dying city. To the people who see us as a dying city, you have no vision. Urban renewal will bring renewed glory by preserving buildings that have cultural heritage, providing opportunities for small businesses and rebuilding neighborhood communities. We will take a look at how urban renewal will return the city of Detroit to prosperity and create positive changes for a bright image and a future without decay. Urban renewal began as a reconstruction program during the late 19th century, and reached its peak during the period immediately following World War II. It is used primarily to describe land redevelopment programs and is often touted as an effective means of developing communities. (Gerrity, 2011). Urban renewal projects reclaim degraded areas within a city, bringing value to all if redeveloped. Detroit's challenges are well known, but with the help of the state and federal government, Detroit's urban renewal will succeed and create positive outcomes that will revitalize our decaying city while bringing back jobs, people and our lost glory. Detroit is known for a fantastic array of architectural buildings, many of which feature beautiful forms from the Art Deco period. Preserving Detroit's history and historic buildings is critical, even as we enter a period of renewal. “Developers and entrepreneurs are taking advantage of federal historic rehabilitation… half of paper… she, J. (2014, January 8). Detroit's historic bush park may finally see a rebirth. Detroit Free Press. Retrieved from http://www.freep.com/article/20140 108/BUSINESS 06/301080045/Detroit-Brush-ParkGerrity, K. (2011, August). Detroit: Urban Renewal and the Great Recession. Retrieved from http://www.archdaily.com/154188/detroit-urban-renewal-and-the-great-recession/Meeks, S., and Donaldson, W. (November 20, 2013). Reuse of historic buildings. New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/21/opinion/reusing-historic-buildings.html?_r=0Pinho, K. (2014, February 19). After years of bureaucratic delays, Hantz farms are about to sprout. Crain's business in Detroit. Retrieved from http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article /20140216/NEWS/302169981/after-years-of-red-tape-delays-hantz-farms-nears-sproutingPonyRide. (2014). Donate today. Retrieved from http://www.ponyride.org/#!donate/c6uo