Posted 29 August 2007 - 02:26 PM
At the risk of being redundant, I am inclined to put Columbus in the "pre-trendy" stage. The focus has generally been on an expanding suburbia -- especially in Lee County where taxes are lower and and is cheaper. Tract homes with strip centers serving for retail.
Maybe, being generous, however, I suppose that there are certain areas of town that might be considered as early-trendy or trending-trendy.
There is Mid-Town where there is an active and ongoing attempt at regentrification. Plans are announced for new trendy-type retail (cafes, boutiques, etc) along a several block stretch of Wynnton Rd (with a streetscape project). This area has great potential but probably still a few years away from true trendiness. In its favor are a slew of old gorgeous homes (mansions even), new library and the Museum/garden. Overlook is a particularly beautiful residential area -- but it exemplifies the downside of the area as well. Immediately adjacent to Overlook -- without any buffer -- is a slummy area with lots of crime/drugs. Unless and until this seamier side of Midtown is dealt with, the trendy plans for the area may prove to be lipstick on a pig.
A short distance away on 13th St -- closer to the St Elmo-Lakebottom area -- there is already in existence what I would call a trendy-looking little shopping area with a Loco's bar/grill, cafes, art galleries, and other little shops. Immediately across 13th St is a strip center (same owner) which is now being redeveloped along the same trendy lines --it includes a great grocery (carrying all the trendy gourmet items), florist, etc. There is additional retail, a Red Lobster, banks etc. in the immediate area. However, 99% of clientele for all these retail establishments use their cars -- so the area is really just an urban strip mall. The trees along 13th were even recently cut to expand the grocery parking lot! Hardly a sign of trendiness! At the other end of the park there is the quaint little vintage St Elmo shopping center -- art gallery, deli, boutiques. This area around the park too may have great trendy potential -- but the majority of homes in the area are still owned by the geriatric set (present company excluded!). Until a new set of younger folks moves in and takes over home ownership, I would be hesitant to classify the area as anything other than simply trending trendy.
DT is probably as far along the trendy path as anywhere else. Thanx to CSU, TSYS and Synovus -- and especially WC Bradley Real Estate. The new Eagle & Phenix development will really start the trendy bandwagon rolling (condos, cafes and retail). If the 2 highrise condos announced along the river in PC -- Phenixian and Phenix Rising -- are built then trendy would certainly be an appropriate adjective. The Sculpture Walk is already announced for a 2 block stretch along B'way -- adding to the artsy, Bohemian feel. Because of CSU, the area is filled with young musicians, artists and drama students -- a small version of DT Athens. White water --- if ever approved and finished -- will -- in my opinion -- seal the deal on DT trendiness. Will be a magnet for new visitors and all that that entails -- shops, bars, cafes, hotels. In fact -- this may sound like hyperbole -- but whitewater has the potential of making the whole stretch (1 mile + ) of 2d Ave from DT to Bibb City hip and trendy.
East Highland/RoseHill (around Medical Center/Doctors Hospital) is less far along. However, with Ashley Station Townhouse now on line, Talbotton Rd set for widening and the new Rails-To-Trails coming right thru that area, and the large tract along 12 Ave where the Jordan Mill stood, then it has to be considered a possible trendy contender in the future.
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poohsfolks, on Aug 27 2007, 07:55 AM, said:
