Friday, March 19, 2004

Action on Jackson

Don Camillo Grocery (sort of a Mexican Wal-Mart) is opening this weekend. And soon, across the tracks, another food business will be open for business in the city's most dynamic (pre-TIF) district between Longbranch and the Co-op, Andrea's Global Gourmet, where you can get "food fast, not fast food."

Changes in TIF District #1

More big changes coming on Washington St. The old Prairie Farms building (where Gasoline Alley and Cycle Tech currently do business) will be demolished very soon. By the end of the month, the building will be vacated. According to co-owner, Jim Jarvis, CycleTech is moving to the "Frankenbuilding", the old Global Auto building on Marion St., so that monstrosity will be fixed up by the owner and the renters. Even so, the CycleTechies better not to get too comfortable there because both Holt's Tire and the Frankenbuilding will soon be levelled to make room for new construction. It only makes cents, I mean sense: First Southern Bank has a major investment in the block across the street and just about all of it, including the old Veach eyesore will be levelled for new construction before the end of the year. Will the Frankenbuilding survive the TIF District redevelopment push? Not a chance.