"The 100 Block"

As I approached the 100 Block of Gay Street for today's ceremonial re-opening, I was reminded how special this spot is in downtown Knoxville.

I think the western side of this block contains one of the prettiest line-ups of facades in the city. Shorter in stature, longer in character, perhaps, they have their own style. They project a small-town America feel in the middle of the city. This historic area is where the Jewish community met the African-American community located just down the hill and it retains a distinctive flavor, even though these communities no longer reside there. The last small remnant was Harold's Kosher Deli which closed in 2005, prior to Harold 's death in 2008.

Even on this happy day, there are questions: The larger trees will be planted in the fall. Work is continuing on several store-fronts and the use of the corner site on the northwestern side is in the hands of Jeffrey Nash, owner of the Crown and Goose, who purchased the building from the Volunteers of America. Of concern is the boarding up of Havana Nights (above picture). I hope that is temporary and that they return, as they are a unique restaurant in an area accumulating a significant number of eateries. There was some question last winter regarding their future, but hopefully they are on a hiatus. The street itself is still a couple of weeks away due to some cracks, but the beautiful block is open. And a beautiful block, it is.

A promise amid the opening were the signs (in window above) stating that Nouveau Classics will open on the southeast corner in September with an inventory of "contemporary furnishings."


 

Mayor Haslam worked his way through the crowd, shaking hands, giving statements and posing for photographs before the ceremony began.

In his introductory remarks, Bill Lyons pointed out that this is the only place downtown that can be referred to by number and everyone knows the street (I may be paraphrasing, Bill), and he had a point. Probably some of that has come about because of the construction itself, but that may be a plus in itself going forward.

After remarks by Mayor Haslam thanking everyone who suffered and/or worked to make this happen for the last year and a half, the ribbon was cut and the 100 block of Gay Street was proclaimed "re-opened" for business.

There is clearly more work to be done, but the street is beautiful and the sidewalks grand. It was a feel-good day with congratulations all around. I thought there might be a greater attendance, but for most of us, work days continue no matter what ribbon is being cut. I'm sure there are many more people celebrating tonight than were in attendance today. 

All that remained was interviews with the media as another chapter in his mayoral tenure came to a close. Perhaps he'll complete his term, but the feeling here today was that we are seeing the final acts of Knoxville's mayor and a prelude of the tenure of our new governor.

Tuesday Afternoon, Part One (AKA: The Mayor and Lance)

Have you noticed a musical theme to this blog? It's subtle. Keep watching and maybe you'll catch it. Hint: It starts with the name of the website and continues in the title of this post. Maybe I'm trying too hard!

Last Tuesday I took a stroll around the neighborhood. I consider my neighborhood to include all of downtown from somewhere around Fourth and Gill to the Tennessee River and west to include Fort Sanders and UT. I know: Pretty big neighborhood. So I took a walk and stumbled into so many points of interest, I'm going to have to break them in to pieces.

The BIG thing going on downtown was the Mayor (future Governor?) speaking on Market Square.

The event was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the purpose was to honor Eddie Mannis, the owner of Prestige Cleaners. Mr. Mannis recently won a national honor related to his efforts to fly World War II veterans to Washington, D.C. to see their memorial. He was introduced by one of said veterans who, we were told had just turned 92 years old the day before. Mr. Mannis magnanimously (couldn't resist) thanked a number of employees who were present.

It made me wonder: Who's the poor guy who got stuck in the store while everyone else makes happy with the mayor? I headed from Market Square (declining the goodies offered in the Chamber office) and walked to the Prestige Cleaners on Gay Street.

It turns out it was a very nice young man named Lance. Lance was working very hard when I arrived (deserves a raise) and very willingly agreed to be photographed without even asking me why. I've found people tend to do that. I like trusting people. He asked if I wanted him to face the camera or continue working and thus be photographed being busy. I chose busy because he was working hard when I arrived (deserves a raise). I feel like one of those old beer commercials saluting the regular guy: Here's to Lance-the-hard-working-clothes-cleaning-guy-manning-the-shop guy!

I left telling Lance that the thing I really appreciated about Prestige Cleaners was that they provide the baggies to clean up after our dogs all over the city. Lance didn't seem to know how to react to this information, but he uttered some assurance that Prestige Cleaners wants people to be good citizens.

Interestingly, and closing the loop on part one, I ran into the mayor as he was leaving the event at the Chamber. He looked distracted and much smaller without his entourage. He was walking quickly and checking his Blackberry.

A small PS. Did you enjoy that? Would you like to read more adventures from downtown Knoxville? Then subscribe at the top of the page - or at least check back often and comment. Please don't make me feel so all alone.