A stroll down Tin Pan Alley
A recent lunchtime walk took me to Southside, the most forward-thinking old idea in urban revitalization.
The residential/commercial community on the edge of downtown is thriving and growing with its mix of townhouses that combine shops with living spaces and the adjacent neighborhood of restored old homes.
But the most engaging feature I've seen is Tin Pan Alley, a narrow drive through a cluster of buildings that reveals a neighborhood within a neighborhood.
There are more homes, neverending porches, detached garages and even a basketball goal. Across Martin Luther King Drive there is more construction on the way. Southside and the Willow Oaks community are two sterling examples of how public-private redevelopment can and should work.
Comments (3)
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The area around MLK, at least from Florida St. to the downtown area, does look much better these days. I drive through there often, but it's a little disconcerting to see so many people loitering on the sidewalk, striking up conversations with people in passing cars. I can't help wondering how long the nice appearance will last, whether it's a band-aid (tm) over a festering sore.
Posted on June 15, 2005 9:40 AM
Eric, I haven't seen those people when I've gone by there. But I'm an optimist.
I'm hopeful the continuing redevelopment in and around the Ol' Asheboro area will overtake some of the less savory customs.
Posted on June 15, 2005 12:44 PM
I agree, Allen. Personally, I wouldn't mind considering moving into one of those new flats at the head of MLK. But I don't have the money to back such a dream at the moment...
Posted on June 15, 2005 1:09 PM