I took this picture while walking around the demolition site of 4 Riverplace.
Surrounded by piles of debris, the awning sort of looks like a giant caterpillar from an old Japanese monster movie.
The Caterpillar that Ate Dayton! I would so see that movie.
I went to Urban Nights and finally got to see the inside of the Arcade–the big fish of all Miami Valley historic preservation efforts. It also turned out to be the last night the public would be allowed to see the interior before the entire structure undergoes a massive two/three year restoration. After listening to the two men who purchased the building and will be supervising the project, I’m anxious to see the finished product.
I wish my camera hadn’t run out of memory because from there I walked through a few more older buildings, discovering hidden surprises along the way, such as a secluded terrace nestled among the skyscrapers and a turn of the century church sanctuary.
But then I walked over to Garden Station to see what kind of progress had been made since I donated plants and bricks months ago. And, frankly, I was upset.
Upset because, as an urban gardener, I believe green space is essential for downtown’s success as a working, social and living environment; and this two-acre lot’s landscaping potential remains so underutilized. For all the murals on the northern wall and an impressive red arch and flower beds in front, that’s just the periphery. Absent are any paths, bushes, or real hardscape that defines or provides structure for the area within. There are a few cement block raised vegetable beds in one area; a tiny cement block water feature over in another; and an enormous fire pit close by along with a few random accent pieces; but nothing tying it all together.
On a bulletin board I saw a drawing of a space full of greenery and thought it was a rendering of what was envisioned for the lot. Then someone pointed out that this was another proposed mural. Geez.
The green oasis being created here isn’t a garden and never will be, sad to say. Maybe an art park at best. Heck, call it a playground for the creative arts; but don’t call it a garden. Community gardens are structures just like office buildings and churches. They aren’t constructed with good intentions alone.
And in a city where there are 1,500 structures set to be demolished during the next eighteen months, there should be a wealth of salvageable brick, wood, rock and metal for an artist collective to create some impressive landscaping. It’s there for the taking. However, the people involved with this space seem more inclined to pick up a paintbrush than a shovel or trowel.
While that might sound harsh, back near Courthouse Square, I looked at the display of concept drawings and plans for the redevelopment of areas around downtown and the University of Dayton. I overheard people near me talking about possibilities, imagining their own participation and the community’s involvement. Interesting what a little vision can do.
The Dayton AIA had also propped up a plywood cutout of the downtown cityscape on a table. Beside that were little pieces of metal, tile, plastic and circuit board along with a glue gun and a cordless drill. I’d seen this earlier before I toured the Arcade; and now, hours later, people had pieced together what was shaping up to be an interesting collage. Some people just stuck a piece next to another piece. Yet others glued pieces on top of other pieces and created patterns as well as objects like wind turbines.
And someone else had handed out chalk and encouraged people to draw on Main Street between 2nd and 3rd. Four lanes of city street had been transformed into a sort of colored chalk quilt of various drawings, patterns and statements.
I’ve never been completely sold on the notion that a “creative class” is essential to boost Dayton’s appeal. Everyone is creative to various degrees and different ways. The issue is creativity for purpose of display or function. After tonight, I’m inclined to believe that what the city needs is creative talent that emphasizes the latter and inspires surprising contributions of expression and involvement. The result is the sense of community that will link Dayton’s preservation of its past with a vision for its future.
Categories: Dayton
