Thursday, December 2, 2010

ANOTHER SIGN OF THE TIMES

This is a shot of The Las Olas Riverfront project. It is a complex of theaters, restaurants, and retail shops. It is also in bankruptcy. While the economy contributed to it's demise, it was not the only factor. If it were located a mere two blocks east, it would be located in an area that is thriving. Location, location, location! It may well have been the jewel in revitalization undertaking instead of a parking garage which seems to be it's future. As Joni Mitchell said, "They paved paradise and put up a parking lot."

31 comments:

  1. Oh how sad. It looks very interesting. as you said--Location, location!! It sure makes a difference. I wish someone with deep pockets could come along a fix it up. Is it actually on a river? MB

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  2. Joni Mitchell, one of my absolute favorite singers, got a lot of things right in her song lyrics, in general. I love places like this....I wish it better times.

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  3. It"s nice. Twould be even better as a no car zone.

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  4. I wonder why people couldn't walk those two blocks to find this place

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  5. Looks like an inviting place for great moments at Sunday! :)

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  6. How sad. But the buildings seem to be all crammed together. Well, maybe they will hold each other up as they decay. (Can you tell I'm a country girl at heart?)

    How interesting that you also have two Do Not Enter signs in the photo.

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  7. There are a couple of restaurants right on the river that I used to patronize when I lived in Davie. Great location. Even when the economy was better, I never saw a lot of people in this portion of the riverfront. As far as Las Olas --- love La Bonne Crepe!

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  8. Maybe the development just came a little too early. I have seen numerous situations in which developers put something in an area that seems ridiculous and, if it is good, people come. I remember working as a summer intern at Boston City Hall in the late 60s, when the Rouse Company unveiled plans to put a shopping arcade in derelict buildings on the waterfront, right next to some ugly bridges. I thought they were crazy. Now Quincy Marketplace is a leading Boston tourist destination and has been for decades. Hope time heals this wound in your city.

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  9. A sad story repeated numerous times in Florida...

    I had a friend who headed a jazz trio in a French restaurant there...

    Ah, Bill...re your comment on Ocala: I'm gonna have a little work done on my eyes soon. Perhaps you would like to join me? :-)

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  10. Too bad, but I do think the world has enough shopping centers. Wish they could turn it into something more productive.

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  11. This is happening way too much now and it always makes me sad.

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  12. I've been there! Its not far from .. damn .. cant think of the name of the fish restaurant on a boat that my late parents used to like back in the dark ages ...

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  13. Here they often do the same thing... without the parking lot!

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  14. Looks like a fun place. Great quote.

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  15. It looks like a great place! It's amazing how much a location can affect businesses.

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  16. I can't agree more with Joni Mitchell! The building on the left looks just great in its Deco style.

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  17. I like the deco building on the corner. The one in the back looks intriguing. Here we also have a couple of blocks that are almost a "must" location if you're going to get business, so I always enjoy seeing the businesses that go into the "dead zone" areas and thrive against the odds. It can happen.

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  18. So are you planning on putting a Yugo dealership on the site?
    The inquiring mind of «Louis la Vache» wants to know...

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  19. I remember window shopping along Los Olas Blvd. Very chi chi way back then. Is it still so?
    V

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  20. I wonder what kind of tax breaks and kickbacks the developers got? I'm so nice on Monday mornings, lol.

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  21. Doesn't sound like progress to me! Where have you been; well I hope! PS. Check Leif's Eagan post for this Sat. (Dec 11) for a surprise!!

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  22. You must be taking an extended drive around Fort Lauderdale in the FTLDP Staff Limo - you haven't posted in a while. Your adoring audience awaits!

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  23. That's so sad. I hate seeing ventures fail. But then again, if they didn't do their research, then...

    Hope you're having the loveliest holidays!

    Many thanks for your patience, and for visiting Norwich Daily Photo and leaving your comment. Come visit again tomorrow!

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  24. To the missing B SQUARED who seems to have been hijacked in the FTLDP Staff Limo (valuable and rare auto that it is, thus a target for thieves):
    We wish you a Happy New Year and look forward to your return!

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