Book review: Postindustrial, DIY: Recovering American Rust Belt Icons

Daniel Campo, Postindustrial DIY: Recovering American Rust Belt Icons, New York, NY: Fordham University Press, 2024; 384 pp.: ISBN: 9781531504687, £21.99/US $24.95 (pbk); ISBN: 9781531504694, £20.99/US $23.99 (eBook – EPUB); ISBN: 9781531504670, £81.00/US $90.00 (hbk).

The term ‘post-industrial’ describes economic and societal changes beyond Fordism. It primarily refers to the dramatic and violent transformations that occurred in the 21st century and continue today (Luger and Schwarze, 2024). Postindustrial DIY: Recovering American Rust Belt Icons explores Campo’s train journeys between New York City and Philadelphia in the early 2000s when he began his PhD at the University of Pennsylvania. Campo’s book emerged from his concerns about urban renewal policies that prioritise demolition and new construction without regard for historical and cultural elements.

The book serves as a call to action for policymakers and residents to appreciate and protect architectural heritage. It emphasises the preservation of historical structures as essential for fostering cultural identity and community resilience in the face of ongoing economic and social changes.

The book is written in seven chapters, each delving into the fascinating journey of revitalising iconic industrial sites in the American Rust Belt. Chapter 1 explains several iconic industrial sites and local communities’ grassroots, do-it-yourself (DIY) practices to recover, preserve and reactivate these historic places. The author focuses on five key sites: Silo City in Buffalo, New York; the Central Terminal in Buffalo; the Packard Automotive Plant and Michigan Central Station in Detroit; and the Carrie Blast Furnaces in Pittsburgh. The five central locations were chosen based on the author’s narratives rather than their representative qualities, which can be seen as a limitation in scientific rigidity and objectivity. Once towering symbols of industrial might and prosperity, these sites fell into disrepair and abandonment during deindustrialisation, leading to profound changes in urban structures and posing various challenges for urban development (Lever, 1991). Instead of opting for demolition, residents, preservationists, artists and other stakeholders embraced DIY methods to breathe new life into these spaces. The efforts often clash with established preservation standards, zoning regulations and development priorities, highlighting tensions in revitalising historical and industrial sites. The author admits that the approach is ‘something short of a natural experiment’ and that not every story or perspective is shared, which could be a point of criticism for those seeking a more comprehensive or balanced view.

Chapter 2 delves into the transformation of once-celebrated structures, now deemed ‘caverns of gloom’, which starkly reflects their current state of neglect and disuse. The chapter explores how the decline of historic railroad stations is rooted in changes to transportation infrastructure, urban planning and societal preferences. Consequently, many historic railway stations have been either abandoned or repurposed for other uses, and their architectural significance and historical value have been underappreciated. The chapter highlights the numerous challenges faced by the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation (CTRC) in its efforts to revive the terminal. The restoration is fraught with issues such as plumbing, HVAC, utilities, windows, interior reconstructions and sites of water intrusion. A complete roof replacement alone would cost $1.5 million. The solution to overcome this is through receiving grants. A grant obtained from the Margaret L. Wendt Foundation organisation to fund various restoration projects was used to hire Marilyn Taylor, an experienced non-profit administrator, as executive director to professionalise the organisation and facilitate the adaptive reuse of the terminal. However, it turned out that this created further challenges because the conflict regarding the proposed sale of the trunk building caused significant changes in the board and caused her to resign from his position. The additional difficulties experienced and the strategies or solutions implemented due to this do not appear to be explained further by the author. This information would be beneficial for readers, especially those from countries where the progress of restoration projects is hampered by pathological developments, political conflicts and financial constraints, creating significant uncertainty regarding their future.

Chapter 3 provides a comprehensive report on how grain elevators played a pivotal role in Buffalo’s economic and industrial growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The chapter highlights the historical and cultural importance, construction and design, and current state and potential future uses. It delves into their innovative construction techniques, such as the ‘slip form’ method, which allowed for continuous concrete pouring and the incremental raising of forms. Inside, the elevators feature intricate systems of conveyor belts, moving arms, sifters, scales and other machinery, underscoring their function as active factories rather than just storage facilities. Through detailed descriptions of events, personal experiences and historical context related to Silo City and its development, the chapter offers readers a comprehensive understanding of the various efforts involved in preserving and developing historic industrial sites. It also underscores the crucial role of community involvement and cultural dynamics in these preservation efforts.

Chapter 4 details the challenges and strategies employed by Rivers of Steel to preserve the historic Carrie Furnaces, a former steel mill in Pittsburgh. It highlights preservation efforts, such as stabilising structures, preserving sculptures and transforming the site into a venue for cultural and arts events. It effectively conveys the site’s history since its closure in 1983 and its ongoing development. Notably, the use of goats for vegetation control adds a unique, eco-friendly maintenance practice and artistic collaborations like the creation of the Owl and the Deer sculpture enhance the site’s cultural dimension. It is a compelling read for readers interested in industrial heritage and creative preservation strategies. However, the detailed description of the site’s accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and those relying on public transportation might be seen as a logistical challenge and may not interest all readers. The focus on how Baraff’s responsibilities impacted the limitations in strategic planning might limit readers looking for dynamic content. The author could improve the chapter by incorporating a compelling narrative or success story emphasising the site’s transformation and cultural significance rather than the logistical and administrative challenges.

Chapter 5 discusses the Packard Factory’s multifaceted history, highlighting its cultural transformation. Once a symbol of industrial strength, the factory has now become a cultural hotspot for urban explorers, graffiti artists and rave-goers. It is now an international destination for street art and countercultural activities. Notable art installations, such as Scott Hocking’s ‘Garden of the Gods’, are discussed, offering readers insight into how artists have used the space to provoke critical reflection on societal myths. The chapter addresses the safety hazards and legal challenges associated with the plant, including frequent fires and structural instability, which are crucial for understanding the complexities of urban exploration and redevelopment. Overall, the chapter successfully presents the factory’s cultural impact and challenges, but it would benefit from a more detailed exploration of future possibilities and developments.

Chapter 6 provides a comprehensive overview of Michigan Central Station’s journey from glory to decline and its hopeful restoration efforts. Built in 1913, the neoclassical station symbolised Detroit’s economic prosperity, designed by renowned architects Warren, Wetmore, Reed and Stem. However, it fell into disrepair and neglect, becoming a place of crime and disrepair. One highlight is the station’s architectural value, comparable to the neoclassical Pier 54 in New York City. The tragic story of Johnnie Redding, a homeless musician found dead in the cold of the station’s Book Depository, adds a poignant dimension to the story. The chapter details the efforts of groups such as the Michigan Central Preservation Society and the Roosevelt Park Conservancy, who fought hard to save the station. However, while the chapter mentions preservation efforts, it lacks detailed accounts of specific actions taken by preservation advocates or the challenges they faced. Additionally, although the chapter includes visual descriptions, such as the Gensler rendering and Andrew Moore’s photograph, it could benefit from more vivid imagery or illustrations to help readers better visualise the station’s transformation.

Chapter 7 examines the growing appreciation for industrial structures and their role in invoking historical memories and collective identity since the early 21st century. These sites are valued for their ability to evoke memories and tell stories of the past, and their adaptive reuse captures collective imagination and identity. Campo notes the complexities of integrating these DIY projects into formal urban development practices, which often prioritise safety, market viability and professional legitimacy. Despite these challenges, there is a call for innovative approaches to support and nurture these projects. Campo emphasises the importance of grassroots actions and local community involvement in driving these projects. However, the chapter could benefit from offering more practical solutions and clear guidelines for integrating DIY projects into formal urban development practices. The lack of concrete steps may leave readers uncertain about how to move forward with these initiatives. Additionally, Campo must incorporate diverse voices including testimonials or interviews with a broader range of stakeholders, such as local government officials, community members and critics of DIY practices, ‘to provide a more comprehensive understanding and to maximise the effectiveness of these projects’.

Overall, the book is a valuable resource for understanding post-industrial urbanism and the challenges of urban development, such as the transformation of former factories, warehouses and other industrial buildings into loft apartments, offices, restaurants and more. This adaptive reuse has contributed to the renaissance of America’s cities, celebrating the vitality it brings. Campo also emphasised the importance of encouraging the use of industrial premises that do not only focus on consumerism, however, this could benefit from more quantitative data and a clearer conclusion to provide a more comprehensive and actionable perspective. The book is suitable for a diverse audience, particularly those scholars and students studying urban development, post-industrial cities and the dynamics of urban revitalisation, who will find valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by cities like Philadelphia. Individuals interested in cultural entrepreneurship, grassroots movements and community development will also appreciate the focus on how local artists and residents are adapting and revitalising postindustrial spaces to foster cultural vibrancy.

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) for providing funding assistance for completing the author’s master’s studies and for supporting the writing of this article.

References

Lever WF (1991) Deindustrialisation and the reality of the post-industrial city. Urban Studies 28(6): 983–999. Crossref; Web of Science; Google Scholar

Luger J, Schwarze T (2024) Leaving post-industrial urban studies behind? Dialogues in Urban Research. Epub ahead of print 8 February 2024. Crossref; Google Scholar