Is downtown Johnson City being rejuvenated? (Chattanooga, Franklin: transplants, condos, subdivisions)

[dreamofmonterey]

There are varying opinions on this- nice quaint old buildings- and they are building some condos, but are they bringing any business in? Just curious. Thanks in advance.

Sunny.

[AppalachianAngler]

I've heard for the past couple of years they are going to try and make it more like downtown Asheville, NC. But so far I haven't seen anything happening. It has a lot of potential.

[dreamofmonterey]

Originally Posted by AppalachianAngler

I've heard for the past couple of years they are going to try and make it more like downtown Asheville, NC. But so far I haven't seen anything happening. It has a lot of potential.

That would be nice. Russo's is a nice restaurant but doesn't seem to get crowded.

sunny.

[AppalachianAngler]

Is Russo's in Asheville I'm assuming? They have such great restaurants there.

It seems like they have abandoned downtown JC and everything is moving out to North JC.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by AppalachianAngler

Is Russo's in Asheville I'm assuming? They have such great restaurants there.

It seems like they have abandoned downtown JC and everything is moving out to North JC.

Yeah I can't stand that. One of the reasons I like Asheville and Chattanooga is because they have really nice downtowns. Downtown Johnson City has a lot of potential. It'll just take a lot of people with the mindset that downtown is worth saving. It has to be a community effort, and not just a few developers with big wallets.

If there was a big demand for a rejuvenated downtown Johnson City, it would've been done by now.

[dreamofmonterey]

My neighbor mentioned they were trying to renovate it down there since the early 90's The State of Franklin stores, unfortunately- took the potential $$ away- It would be nice if the made it like Main St. in Jonesborough- such a quaint area. Guess it has to do with politics.

sunny

[JMT]

Originally Posted by sunnyhelena

My neighbor mentioned they were trying to renovate it down there since the early 90's The State of Franklin stores, unfortunately- took the potential $$ away- It would be nice if the made it like Main St. in Jonesborough- such a quaint area. Guess it has to do with politics.

sunny

I seriously doubt it has anything to do with politics. I would find it hard to believe that the politicians in Johnson City--the largest city in and the cash cow of the Tri Cities--want their downtown to be a pig sty.

It's mere economics. If a developer could make money by renovating some of the nicer buildings in downtown Johnson City, it would've been done by now. But apparently most people in that area would rather do their shopping at strip malls, live in subdivisions, and eat at chain restaurants in the suburbs.

[FLPharmD]

Originally Posted by JMT

But apparently most people in that area would rather do their shopping at strip malls, live in subdivisions, and eat at chain restaurants in the suburbs.

ugh! sounds like what's happening all over Florida to me. It's a shame.

[dreamofmonterey]

Originally Posted by JMT

I seriously doubt it has anything to do with politics. I would find it hard to believe that the politicians in Johnson City--the largest city in and the cash cow of the Tri Cities--want their downtown to be a pig sty.

It's mere economics. If a developer could make money by renovating some of the nicer buildings in downtown Johnson City, it would've been done by now. But apparently most people in that area would rather do their shopping at strip malls, live in subdivisions, and eat at chain restaurants in the suburbs.

That makes sense- the developers haven't come in BUT no- I have had my share of strip malls and frankly if I never see another Chili's again thats fine with me. Some people have taste and would appreciate something eclectic, or gourmet- esp. people moving here from other cities- Not every American thinks Texas Roadhouse is upscale cuisine.

[LauraC]

Originally Posted by AppalachianAngler

I've heard for the past couple of years they are going to try and make it more like downtown Asheville, NC. But so far I haven't seen anything happening. It has a lot of potential.

That would be a mistake. Why would they want to do that? Asheville is overcrowded. Parking is scarce. It's really artsy-fartsy and full of tourists. Jobs are hard to come by. Zoning laws are invisible. Restaurants open and close faster than you change your underwear. It's full of big city northern state liberal transplants. It's slipped dramatically as a desirable relocation destination from where it was just a few years ago. It nontradtional. And they want to do that to Eastern Tennessee?