Gold Street Rebirth
Gold Avenue between 1st and 4th street was prime real estate in the early 1900's. As it's name implies, Gold Avenue (more commonly know as Gold Street) was home to upscale buildings. This included the Federal Building and Old Post Office. The first modern skyscrapers were built on Gold Street in the late 50's at a time when downtown was still bustling. When development moved northward, blocks like the one between 2nd and 3rd street remained intact. This mixture of old storefront buildings and a pedestrian friendly streetscape reflect the ability of a group of building to change with the times. From flamenco dancing to a shoe store, this block shows how pockets of small buisness can support each other.
Occidental Life Insurance Building
The Occidental Life Insurance Building is a Italian Gothic gem with its gleeming white facade. Modeled after the Doge's Palace in Venice. Currently office space, the building has been modernized while retaining its fabulous exterior.
Classic street with new parking to boot
Just a block away from the old streetspace, a new block is taking shape based on the principals of the old block. Human scale (Meaning four or less stories) and pedestrian-friendly, mixed use buildings have been completed. This is not a street to pass by on your way someplace else, but rather a destination that is unique and encourages brousing and slower traffic.
New building can look at home with old ones
Nobody home
Gold Avenue today has found a niche for women's fashions and continues to survive despite the very competitive retail market. One of the ongoing challenges facing the downtown district has been the diversity of the businesses. Initially the bars and entertainment venues were most successful, leaving downtown almost vacant during the day outside the work week. Creating a place that has more to offer than nightlife requires a mix of uses, primarily affordable housing options.
In 2003 a banner promises lofts
In 2005 the work is still underway
From Banking to Urban Living
Better things do happen. The door in question is most certainly fixed up now that the first national bank building has been converted to loft housing. The Banque as it's being called is tapping into the high end market with units starting a $500k. While this seems like a gamble, this is a historic building with new construction and great views of the city not to mention the great location. Has a critical mass been reached with the completion of this development? The long vacant building across the street from the old bank has shed it's 1960's concrete façade and will become a billiards hall and restaurant. Like many downtowns across the country. Loft-style living as been in vouge since the 1960's when artists in SoHo began using old warehouses as studio/living space. While the rent is not cheap, the location is prime and someone stands to make money by investing an area that is pedestrian friendly and cater to young professionals and retiring baby boomers.