In my small local town there still survives a small degree of the philosophy that if you build it or renovate it eventually they will come. However, it may come down to what comes first…the tenants, the next mortgage payment or the eventual decay of those things newly renovated.
On a side note, we did have our first small snow of the winter yesterday evening…about an inch lays on the ground this morning, none sticking upon the roads. It will melt away today as the temperatures reach the 50’s (F).
I love to see these buildings renovated, since otherwise they’ll be torn down and replaced with either an empty lot or something far less attractive. Sometimes that’s not practical, and many places don’t have the foresight to preserve the historic buildings, but I like to see it when they do.
Hi Tom, I like to see them renovated as well but I’m not too sure it’s a great business decision at the moment. These two have been empty for over a year now. Thanks!
I’m planning a series on the destruction of small towns in the midwest (specifically, Nebraska, where I grew up). Recently when visiting I started a series on County Seat Courthouses, and was struck by the deterioration of the small towns of many of the counties in Nebraska. What happened? Why is everything boarded up, except the ubiquitous Casey’s Convenience store? I suppose the answer is big-box stores in nearby towns, but there may be other factors. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get some answers when I put together the series.
Nice photos here, Earl. It looks like your little town is doing pretty well.
John, yes this town is holding on fairly well but some of the other in the area are not fairing as well and are showing some of the deterioration you speak of. I think for many small towns surrounded by farming the younger generations left for better prospects in the cities. They may be wishing they were back on the farm now.
Thanks!
I have often wondered what it would be like to live in a small condo above some small book store and coffee shop in a small town. Everyone would be a neighbor. I’m a supporter of renovation in these older towns. I think it is in Oklahoma City where they have taken the old warehouse district and renovated it into restaurants, shops and high end condos. Not really a fan of the franchise shops or restaurants but the work they did with the buildings were wonderful.
Monte, if it was the right town or area of a larger town I think living above a small shop would be great. Here, for most of the town, the sidewalks usually roll up between 8-9pm and then there’s nothing going on. I’ve never been to Oklahoma City.
Thanks!
I like to see renovated towns, as long as they are not gentrified. That seems to go on a lot. Renovate and then hyper-inflate! Not cool. I’m enjoying your romp through Salisbury, Earl. As for winter, here in the ‘south’, Charlotte, we didn’t get anything last night. Allegedly, it snowed some last night, but this morning there was not a trace of the white stuff, not even on the grass. Nothing. Oh well, it’s another sunny day.
Paul…these renovations kept to the original look and feel on the outside…don’t know what they did inside. There was at some snow on the ground here past lunch but it’s gone now.
I just finished commenting on your post about your M9. You’re a man of many surprises! :-)
The Empire hotel looks like a grand place to stay. i take it it’s not really a hotel anymore but at least they had the foresight to leave the sign up on the building. The Kress sign looks new. Is it original to the building? I like the amount of detail in these photos. Very nice.
Ken, no the Empire Hotel isn’t a hotel any longer and hasn’t been as long as I’ve lived here –since 2004. It must have been a nice place to stay at one time but was killed off by all these chain hotels/motels, no doubt. The Kress signs are new but the building is original…just renovated. They did a good job.
Thanks.
It’s better than letting these buildings decay, and I thank the owners for preserving them for future generations, but I admit I wonder if it’s a smart economic decision…
Journey, I agree it beats decay and I’m also glad to see it. Who knows, if the economy turns around in the next year or so these renovations may be judged as keen business insight. :-)
In my town, we are definitely seeing a revival of the old buildings being renovated to more modern style living inside, but keeping the look of old on the outside. Of course, I live close to D.C. and our economy here is probably more resilient than most places in the U.S. because of the big government providing steady jobs for most people.
Hi NR…I like to see these building being re-purposed, extending their useful lives. I lived just north of Washington, D.C,. in Odenton, MD, for a few years in the 80’s. Too much density of people and traffic for me long term. :-)