Detroit, the auto metropolis of years past, is attempting to restart its engine.

In spite of being located only 34 miles from Oakland University, a lot of people never make the journey.

Once a city that flourished in all aspects, Detroit is now underappreciated and feared by a majority of people. A 2008 study completed by the Pew Research Center showed that 90 percent of the over 2,000 people polled would not live in Detroit, given the choice.

Like a guy making a dreaded trip to the mall, people only travel to the city for specific reasons. Red Wings fans stay near the Joe, Lions fans — if there are still any of them out there — stick around Ford Field and those looking to win a few extra dollars will remain within Greek Town’s perimeters.

The city has a lot to offer, though. It’s possible to spend a whole day in the Renaissance Center just riding up and down on the escalators alone. And then you’ve got the elevators.

The fact that people are too afraid to go there is alarming. Its lure might not compare to the lights and lust of Las Vegas or the history and depth of Washington D.C., but it’s still harmless if you pay attention to what you are doing.

Recently, I stepped out my comfort zone and traveled to the city for the first time to explore the supposed mayhem everyone always talks about. I found little to support their claims.

Though you might get a $30 parking ticket for parking three inches too far from the curb in search of a cannoli from a famous bakery, it’s good to note the city gives a discount if you pay your ticket early.

And that man playing the silver saxophone on the side of the street for spare change may be unfamiliar and scary, but he is nothing to run away from. He’s just trying to get through the day like the rest of us are.

Detroit, in many aspects, is becoming resurrected. Through various different projects, the city is trying to make a turnaround. People are currently working on restoring the city through the making of art murals and renovating rundown buildings.

Through the help of others willing to take adventures through the unknown and experience the unfamiliar, Detroit will make a full 360.

Until then, Motown will remain on the backburner as just another item on a “to do list,” forever waiting to be crossed off.