I occasionally fail to make it to the bottom of the Journal’s version of my column, even though I link readers to it through this blog. My blog is not allowed to carry my Journal column in full – the idea being that linking to it will bring readers to the Journal’s website. That creates a two-stage process for getting to it that I hope does not deter many readers.
Perhaps that’s why Davison Bolster’s correction to my recent column on the state preservation conference in Warren escaped my attention at the time. He gently points out that, contrary to my assertions, the American Tourister proposal is not for condos (so I assume it is for rental apartments), and secondly, that the proposal is not being opposed.
I’m glad of that, and happy to be corrected, though I recall asking someone (I cannot recall who answered the question) on the waterfront projects panel that day whether the American Tourister proposal fits in with the waterfront advocates’ idea of what should be done. The answer was no, it does not, and a preference was stated pretty firmly for some alternative to residential, a mixture of retail and small manufacturing, if I recall correctly. Fortunately, as pointed out by Paula Silva in an expansion on Davison’s note, the mill project also will have a range of uses aside from residential.
All good! Now get rid of that big ugly white storage unit. Maybe a small golf course can be established in its place!
Here are the comments from Paula Silva and Davison Bolster (who came first):
Nice article! Davison is correct however, American Tourister is being welcomed as a mixed use development. Also, in addition to Walgreens I would add there was a major effort 10 or so yrs. ago to protect Warren’s Working Waterfront from becoming a wall of condos proposed. This effort successfully saved 5 Historic buildings, on Water Street and preserved public access on the wharf and 4 additional building there were either restored or newly built. Water Street now has become a hot destination thriving with new shops and restaurants vying to get in. Preservation has jumpstarted the economy in that neighborhood. Now with 2nd Story Theatre restoring and bringing more activity to Main, Market & Child Streets once again we are starting to see an expansion of new restaurants to the area. This is a built environment that already exists and is an opportunity to capitalize on with more encouragement by the town to continue to restore this prized downtown that many are not fortunate to have. (Paula Silva)
Thank you David for the editorial! Only 2 corrections- 1. American Tourister is not being developed for condos, and 2. It is not being opposed. (Davison Bolster)
Architecture Here and There 