Regeneration of the Flats, Cleveland s regional entertainment district, started spontaneously with artists and spread, like New York s SoHo. The same kind of life could be generated along Euclid Avenue. Yet, official city energy appears directed everywhere but at the genuine potential life of its traditional center. Pieces, remnants, a few treasured landmarks, local businesses, persevering residents, and special uses remain in every downtown, the varied plants of the traditional urban garden. If not further eroded or totally rebuilt, the surviving plants can be cultivated into a garden again.
Some downtowns have more plants surviving than others do.
They are the fortunate ones best positioned to be the star performers of the 21st Century. In each downtown, these enduring precincts, sustained functions, resilient businesses, committed downtowners, determined place defenders, community activists, neighborhood developers, landmark preservationists, and human scale advocates will be the building blocks of a brighter future, the special offerings that will lend degrees of character and credential to what follows. Grand plans and inflated visions will continue in new configurations. The need for public resistance will not cease. But advocates for more modest and appropriate visions, people who understand and use cities, are increasing in number and influence.