I need you around
January 10th, 2008That’s footage of the historic Smoking Popes @ Metro concert, featuring Elgin’s own Josh Caterer. Please tell me he hasn’t moved (Josh, I need you around).
Speaking of moving, you may have noticed that several months ago, Bakes Guitars closed shop. They used to be on Dundee Avenue, near Congdon. I never thought that was a great location, but Robert Bakes once told me he used to be located in the downtown, and that the downtown was no better–at least when he was there, which I think was probably when the downtown was somewhat more depopulated than now. Today, I think a store like Bakes Guitars would be a real asset for the downtown, especially if located on Chicago Street, our unofficial music and entertainment strip. (Hey Bakes, please come back and open in the downtown. I need you around.)
A lot of downtown’s problem is just that it doesn’t have that critical mass of retailers. It’s that old chicken and egg problem. If you don’t have a lot of stores, people don’t want to go. And if you don’t have people there, stores don’t want to open. I’ve suggested to people that the city should do something to promote the stores, via incentives, but have been told that it’s politically difficult. Why that would be more difficult than providing incentives to condo builders, I’m not sure.
Another business that would have been nice in the downtown was Mission Bay Multisport. If you’ve driven by Lillian Street/South Street lately, you may have noticed that Mission Bay has likewise closed shop. They are probably focusing now on their Chicago store, but that’s really sad. Mission Bay was one of the best stores we had. I’m not sure how they decided to locate at the Sunset strip, but I think they would probably have done better business if they were located downtown, because the bike trail runs through there, and cyclists are always wandering around. Come back and give downtown a try. (Yes, I need you around!)
I’m reminded of what a dump the Andersonville neighborhood in the city was up until the last ten years or so. Now it’s one of the most desirable places to be in Chicago
It seems like that SHOULD be possible for Elgin.
The flaw in city planning thinking is this: there ARE people here that have money to spend and need convenient and/or specialty shopping. This is indeed an instance of if you build it, they will come. We’ve got a train station! People from out of town can get here just as easily as they can to a place like Geneva.
It just seems to obvious and possibly easier than more and more and more living spaces. I live here and most of my income is spent outside of Elgin because there’s not much to be had here, downtown, east side, or west side.
I’m waiting…
Posted January 13th, 2008 at 1:21 pmHopefully we don’t have to wait too long.
Posted January 15th, 2008 at 3:17 pmi was unaware that mission bay closed! how sad! i was just there about 2 months ago…really good place. knowledgeable employees who weren’t bike snobs.
Posted January 16th, 2008 at 11:12 pmHi Jessica,
Thanks for leaving a comment. It’s sad about Mission Bay, and while I’m not sure they’ve closed permanently–I haven’t been in touch with them, they do have a ‘for rent’ sign on the window…
We could hope for the best, but it would be even better if the DNA or somebody with the city tries to get them back.
I like your blog, by the way!
Everybody else, check out Jessica’s Life in Elgin blog:
Posted January 17th, 2008 at 12:37 pmhttp://lifeinelgin.com/blog/