Even the most set-in-stone edifices can be reinvented. Just ask Thom Connors, Regional Vice President and General Manager SMG/Cobo Center. Thom sat down with Mike Bills to talk about Cobo Center’s five-year renovation project.

Thom shares really interesting details about the catalyst for change, some roadblocks along the way (like not getting a ballroom on the roof!) and how Cobo Center connects visitors and residents in a cool way.

QUOTE IT

“We just can’t replace what we have with the same thing.”  (9:27)

“The transformation of Cobo mirrors the transformation of the City of Detroit.” (11:35)

“You will be successful when you have the right mix, mesh and mass of activity.” (22:03)

DIG IN

At 7:25 Thom talks about the major disruption that forced political leaders of the time to seek sustainable change for Cobo Center and how the plan was set in motion.

Mike asks Thom around the 15:20 mark to describe how ASAE 2015 participants can see and experience Cobo’s reinvention while they are attending the Annual Meeting.

TAKEAWAYS
1 – When you start taking your assets for granted you stop looking for ways to make them better.

2 – Part of Cobo Center’s reinvention established a regional authority that connects state and local governments as a unified body to run the Center.

3 – Outside support, in this case SMG, a facility management company hired to run Cobo Center and turn around the balance sheet, can bring new expertise to help your organization flourish.

4 – A fixed resource can be reimagined. Apply an adaptive reuse strategy to alter something that seems permanent to fit changing needs.

5 –  Identify your core, and strip away everything that you thought you knew about it. Then rebuild.