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July 11, 2007
Successful downtown revitalization case study: Asheville NC
Today’s RTD writes on Asheville NC’s downtown revitalization success. Richmond blog Urban Richmond? extends the analysis, adding both commentary and photos to further make the point. Many in Petersburg are focusing on marketing the local history to tourists. That is fantastic, as the region is rich in history. But for the downtown area to hop with vitality day in and day out, it’s going to take more than tourists: gotta offer the young folk stimulating destinations and activities that are grounded in the present. How about a funky bookstore a la Cafe Gutenberg that hosts poetry slams? How about a weekly drum/dance event in Poplar Lawn or Halifax Triangle? How about public art, designed and installed by local youth? Feel free to post ideas that would give our local high school and college students a way to have fun.
1) closer to home, Kim Blankinship of Carytown’s Dominion Skateboards has this to say about the Carytown corridor in Richmond.com — Q: How has Carytown evolved since you’ve been there? How would you like it to evolve? A: When I first opened Back Door Skate Shop in Carytown[1994], most of the stores seemed to be geared to an older clientele and everything shut down at 5 p.m. Now it seems a lot of stores are geared toward a younger demographic and stay open later. I hope no more chains move in. The smaller independent stores are what give Carytown its character, and I hope it stays that way.”
2) in other news… A BOOKSTORE/CAFE/DESTINATION venue is coming to Petersburg in 2008! The store’s owner is asking for input as to preferred genres, events, etc. Surveys are available at Polish Pottery. Fill one out!