A Community is (re)Born
A Community is (re)Born
You know #WhatEsotericIs so now let us discuss #WhereEsotericIs and what that could mean to its neighboring community of residents and fellow businesses. 17th Street has an important place in Vb history but for the past 15 years or so has seen a steady decline and is considered a huge blight by many. Blighted because of a large homeless population. Blighted because there are remaining old automotive and industrial types of businesses. Blighted because there was a bar that was poorly managed and encouraged violent and poor behavior. Blighted because there is not the latest crop of brand new, vanilla and poorly constructed “shopping centers”. Blighted because the big developers haven’t pounced on its respectably priced real estate and performed their magic (damage) to the community. Blighted because the neighborhoods are at war with the businesses.
But not everyone sees Vb as the blighted community. If one could muster just a bit of vision one could see…the eclectic and diverse nature of 17th Street. The old buildings that perhaps need some love but the craftsmanship and character and old bones are there, and can be once again returned to their glory. The new partnership of mutual respect formed between business owners and civic leagues. The fresh, dynamic small businesses that are widely eclectic, wholly original and deeply aesthetically heavy in their product, sparking inspiration and slight intoxication to those that shop around there. The art that is adorning the area once again, the craftsmanship of the products being produced, yes PRODUCED on 17th Street. The authenticity of the Vb area is palpable, the grittiness that only enhances its urban feel and appeal is everywhere and its magnetic and its pulling in the thinkers and the artists and the doers and the entrepreneurs and the hippies and the foodies and the bevies and the nature lovers and the hipsters and the geeks…and the community builders.
So, which one are you?
Through which lens do you see 17th Street?
Why should anyone care, even, about building communities?
#WhereEsotericIs