Out with the old

Sometimes it is a good thing to be out with the old. That is, when it has been an abandoned building for quite a long time. Yet, I am certain many people have fond memories of dance parties, weddings, or quinceneras at the Santa Rita Ballroom.

Walking past this site I wonder: what is in store for the Southwest corner of Broadway and 6th Avenue?

The old Poca Cosa is still there at the foot of the Santa Rita Hotel. That, I thought, was slated to be renovated and reopened as a boutique hotel. Hmmmm.

It's kind of exciting when things start happening after so many promises that came to nothing.

The corner west of there at Scott is looking really good. The Ribbon Cutting event for the new South Scott Avenue is tonight. The party centers on the corner of Corral and Scott at 6:30 with refreshments and music.

On a Downtown Crane

I couldn't resist the play on words.
If only I could talk to one of the construction workers. What must it be like to be up there?

It's so good to see construction happening. That east side of Downtown is really coming together. The one thing that gets a little bit under my skin is the construction of parking garages. I know the One North Fifth apartments needs a garage for residents. It's just that I took this photo from the garage where I park. I could spit on that hole in the ground that will be a garage. Well, I'm not that good, but you get the idea.

Working at a Downtown establishment I hear plenty about the parking Downtown. And, it's always baffled me that people are willing to walk across a huge parking lot to go to the mall and then want front door parking Downtown. I love walking Downtown. It's one of the most unique experiences one can have. Sure, here it is not as grand as in San Francisco or Pittsburgh or Chicago (all downtowns I love), but it sure beats a mall parking lot.

Anyway, the relatively new garage where I park is largely solar powered. I am proud of that. Also, it's got quite a vacancy rate. So, there is parking Downtown.

No, really

In the last week or so we have had a number of incidences in which our customers tried to give us money we didn't ask for. There are lots of services we provide for which we don't charge. That is just a function of there not being a precedent for charging for certain services. Mr. Perri always gave away whatever he could in terms of his time and talent. Even the work he did charge for he gave away in the sense that his prices were on the low end of reasonable.
There also are other things we give away because it seems fair and right or because of a promotion. We started offering free battery replacement for life on our brand of watch when we moved to the Stone location. We believe in those watches. Also isn't it really convenient to bring your watch in for a battery and not have to pay anything? I'd be thrilled if I had free oil changes for life for my car.
So, this man comes in with his Perri watch for a new battery. I change the battery and give the watch back to him. As he's pulling his wallet out I say, "No charge."
"What? Why? No, here, how much?" he says.
"We offer free battery replacement for life on those watches."
"The thing lasts forever. I have washed it and beat it up and it keeps going and then you don't even charge for the battery? How will you stay in business?"
"Just tell all your friends to come and buy a Perri watch."
It's really nice to be on the receiving end of someone saying, you don't charge enough and insisting on leaving cash on the counter. One left $5 because we opened his watch and let it dry out! Thanks!
Most retail businesses don't have the opportunity to give things away or fix things for people. This is an aspect of my job I really enjoy.

Can you see it? It's happening!

I was reading in the Downtown Tucsonan about Janos moving back downtown later this year and thinking....
Janos said, "I've never lost sight of downtown and have always wanted to go back to where great things are starting to happen." His enthusiasm struck me. I began to see just how polarized Tucson is regarding downtown.
There are lots of people who are very excited about downtown and putting their money where their mouth is. Janos is just the latest. There is Madden Media and most recently, Mrs. Tiggy Winkle's Toys who is partnering with the Tucson Children's Museum.
And then there are the people who can't quite see what is happening. Or, perhaps, they don't believe it. Seeing will be believing but, there's a catch. Once there is proof positive that downtown is in fact up and coming it will be too late.
For the believers and the visionaries NOW is the time to invest in downtown. I say grab up your land, your store front, your building. Get your piece now while there are more options, freedom to create the business or home you like and the prices are right. Once downtown's bud blooms I'll bet there will be more than a few people wishing they'd gotten on the band wagon.
Ok, enough metaphors. All I am saying is I'm a little weary of people complaining or saying things like, "I don't know what they are doing with downtown." They? Who? The city? The county? What about us? What are WE doing? Be proactive and be part of making downtown what you want. You may be pleasantly rewarded.