When the Michigan Central Station renovation began, there was graffiti everywhere. If vandals could reach the space, it was covered in spray paint, so much so that photographers came from around the world to document the building as an example of urban blight.
As I wrote about in dot #5016, thanks to a vision and a billion dollars, the building has been restored to its former glory—all except for one corridor. There was a debate as to whether ALL the graffiti should be erased from view or whether a section should remain as a testament to the building’s history. After all, it was in that state for 30 years. Ultimately, it was decided that one section would remain.
Before you erase everything in a transformation or renovation process, consider whether something should be left behind. Maybe a piece is left in its original state. Perhaps something is incorporated into a historical display, or showcased in before-and-after photos. Preservation efforts not only share your history, but also make your progress tangible for all to see.
