Two weeks ago I flew up to Spokane to meet up with my sister and this old building downtown caught my eye. I loved the Marquee on the corner and the great brick detailing. When cities were designed back in the day, people paid attention to creating a lively mix of uses in each building to foster community in urban areas. People had the choice to live above a shop, or in a townhouse close by, or in the suburbs if they wanted. Well, thankfully cities are bringing back that vision for their downtown cores. Once run-down and dirty town centers are being cleaned up and value is once again being created in cities. This building is a great example of how cities can start developing vacant lots and breathing life back into their urban areas. Spokane is a cool city with a number of great old buildings and interesting shops and restaurants downtown. Don’t take my word for it…go check it out for yourself!
Cross | Designs 
That’s true. Springfield, MO, where I live is getting fixed up downtown: a better town square with a cool little library right there, new lofts around it, a combination eatery and grocery stores, plus preserving some classic structures from back in the day.