Capitol Center, in turn, hopes to persuade the city that a parking facility facing Bushnell Park is just as compatible with the surrounding landscape. The city would be well advised not to risk finding out if that is true. For now at least, both sides are showing good faith by talking. Councilman Michael T. McGarry, who has led the charge against demolition, notes that a similar conflict resulted in the successful conversion of another building on Asylum Street into the ArtSpace housing complex. Such housing, drawing permanent residents, will help turn downtown into a much livelier, economically robust place.
Lightning can strike again.
All the city has to do is package a deal that promises Capitol Center an attractive return on its investment.