Many of us recognize that downtown Ann Arbor is in the midst of rapid change. What should we preserve? What changes should we accept or reject? How can we do it? An awareness of our historical past, it's values and identity, as well as understanding the challenges and potential opportunities of our present condition are essential to making the wise decisions necessary for the future of downtown Ann Arbor and our entire community. Ray Detter is Coordinator of the prize-winning Downtown Ann Arbor Historical Street Exhibit Program. Susan Pollay is Executive Director of the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority.