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The article discusses the restoration of the Michigan Central Station in Detroit by Quinn Evans. The station, which opened in 1914, was once a symbol of Detroit's industrial prowess but fell into disrepair due to economic decline and neglect. Ford purchased the station in 2018 and hired Quinn Evans to lead the restoration project. The team faced significant challenges, including water damage, decayed materials, and missing architectural elements. Through extensive research and careful surveying, the team was able to restore and replace various components of the building, including the terrazzo flooring, Guastavino tiles, and exterior masonry. The restoration also included updates to meet contemporary performance standards. The renovated station will be open to the public and will house retail spaces, event venues, and potentially passenger tracks for Amtrak. The project is part of the larger Michigan Central Innovation District, which aims to revitalize the area with new technologies and amenities. The article acknowledges the scars of the station's past, such as graffiti and deteriorated stairwells, as reminders of Detroit's history. Overall, the restoration of the Michigan Central Station represents a significant step in the revitalization of Detroit and its architectural heritage. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the increasing trend of building electrification in American cities and states as a means to reduce carbon emissions. Building operations account for a significant portion of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the US. Many cities and states have implemented policies to prohibit or discourage the installation of gas lines in new buildings. However, there have been legal challenges to these bans, with courts ruling that they infringe on the federal government's power to regulate gas appliances. Despite these challenges, the momentum towards building electrification is already strong, driven by government incentives and market forces. Electrification is seen as cheaper, safer, and more environmentally friendly than using gas. The article also highlights the potential roadblocks to electrification, such as stranded assets and the need for regulation of new gas appliances. Overall, while court decisions may pose some obstacles, the move towards building electrification is expected to continue. [Extracted from the article]

For example, the U.S. Capitol is one of countless monumental edifices around the world originally constructed without accessibility in mind - a point highlighted by the March 12, 1990 Wheels of Justice Rally that saw participants with lower-limb mobility impairments hoist themselves up the grand staircase of the U.S. Capitol to impel Congress to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act. Of course, Gissen also points out the dearth of handicapped designers at the forefront of architecture and urban design, who could otherwise bring their politics to bear on a discipline that still needs to probe prevailing beliefs regarding accessibility. (It wasn't until 2000 that the ADA-accessible U.S. Capitol Visitor Center was built.). [Extracted from the article]