Real Estate & Property Law

Robert Spencer

By Alan Ackerman

Freep.com

Regarded as a catalyst and visionary thinker in his efforts to bolster the economic progress of Detroit, the longtime civic leader was president of the nonprofit agency since its creation in 1978 until his retirement in 1994.

"Bob was the right guy in the right place at the right time for Detroit," said Emmett Moten Jr., former vice president of commercial development for the DEGC. "He was always the go-to guy who negotiated and set the tone for getting all sides working together toward a common goal. He deserves much of the credit for getting things done during some very difficult times in Detroit."

The DEGC is supported by public and private funds to help local businesses obtain financing and counseling to locate or expand in Detroit.

Under Mr. Spencer's leadership and with the assistance of subagencies such as the Downtown Development Authority, the DEGC was responsible for helping finance the renovation of the Fox Theatre and construction of the Chrysler-Jefferson Avenue plant and the Millender Center.

Robert Spencer was an amazing asset to the City of Detroit and Southeast Michigan.  A modest and compassionate person, his leadership made all the difference in having Detroit Economic Growth work for the City of Detroit.  Emmet Moten got it right.  Spencer was the "right guy" at the time.  But he would have been the "right guy" for any project because he truly was what is called a "mensch". Our condolences to the Family of this very decent person.

Full post as published by National Eminent Domain Blog on January 11, 2010 (boomark / email).