DETROIT- The State of
Michigan is spending $1 million of a $12 million national ad purchase for its continuous
“Pure Michigan” campaign to attract people to Detroit this summer.

Many Michiganders, mostly
Detroiters, think it’s a risky proposal. The city has the second highest murder-rate in the U.S., went bankrupt, and is shutting off water to many of
its residents for not paying their bills.

The ad running on TV now is
called “Can a city have a soul?” It highlights Tiger Stadium, The Shinola Company,
Eastern Market, urban street art, lush urban gardens, and Diego Rivera’s murals
at the Detroit Institute of Art.

The new commercial also
runs in 30 and 60 second versions on YouTube and cable stations like the Travel
Channel, TLC and the Food Network.“…

There’s nothing like
experiencing the unmistakable sounds, the memorable sights, and the limitless
energy of a city called Detroit,” actor, comedian, and Michigan native Tim
Allen said.

Even though Detroit has high crime rates and persistent
problems, it has been inviting investment and development more than ever. For
the first time, Nike opened a 22,000 square foot store in Detroit on May 26.

A Whole Foods store started business near
Wayne State University. Shake Shack and Walhburgers are also opening soon.

The Detroit Redwings will get a new arena. Not
many know, but Detroit also has the second largest live theater district in the
U.S. after New York City.

“This is more than a
leisure travel campaign — this is really about challenging and shifting
people’s perceptions of Detroit and celebrating America’s great comeback story,”
Dave Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic
Development Corp told the Detroit Free Press.