Wednesday, January 27, 2010TIME:
Public Library Main Branch, 5201 Woodward Ave
Blueprint America: Beyond the Motor City
examines how Detroit
, may come to represent the future of transportation and progress in America
is the crucible in which the nation’s ability to move toward a modern 21st century transportation infrastructure is put to the test. The documentary shows how investments in the past — beginning with the construction of canals in the 18th century — profoundly shaped Detroit’s physical layout, population growth and economic development. Before being dubbed the Motor City
was once home to the nation’s most extensive streetcar system. In fact, it was that vast network of streetcars that carried workers to the area’s many car factories. And it was the cars made in those factories that would soon displace the streetcars in Detroit
— and in every major American city.