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Ana Brandt Photography
April 29, 2008
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Change is Good
April 24, 2008
I’ve ranted a lot in these posts about how change is necessary if Old Town is going to survive as a commercial entity when stacked up against the ever-present Marketplace, the new Legacy and the soon to be redeveloped City Center.
In fact, I’ve gone so far as to suggest that the city’s “lead from behind” strategy for downtown over the past 25 years has been less than successful, and that possibly a new plan of action should be considered if any different results are to be expected. Read more
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Changes Part Two
April 24, 2008
It’s interesting to see that Huntington Beach is looking to save, by virtue of a zoning overlay, what’s left of the historic flavor of its main drag. Sadly, traditional craftsman homes with big front porches are giving way to stucco McMansions fueled by a seemingly never-ending reservoir of home equity.
The grass roots movement there is the brainchild of local homeowner Nuuana Robinson. Distraught over the remodeling frenzy and what it will do to Huntington Beach’s charm, she laments that soon, “you won’t know if you’re in Irvine or Tustin”. Yikes. Should we be smug or horrified that our fair hamlet has been figuratively attached to our intensely manicured southern neighbor? Read more
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The More Things Change
April 24, 2008
Over the years, I’ve watched a few council sessions and planning workshops where at issue was just how strict the city should be when granting businesses the right to move into Old Town. At present, merchants must largely be able to prove themselves a viable retail operation.
All concerned want the most amount of foot traffic possible downtown, preferably foot traffic that is predisposed towards visiting multiple establishments and spending some money. For things like restaurants and coffee shops (I wish), it’s an easy call. However, things get dicey when, say, real estate or dental offices want to sign a lease. Read more
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Reasons to Linger
April 23, 2008
I spend quite a bit of time in Old Town. Of course, my wife and I own a business here so that skews the test a bit. If I didn’t have to be here, would I? I know I’d like to. There’s really no place else in the city that has the same ‘feel’ as downtown. Read more
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My Kingdom for a Plan
April 23, 2008
I came across something interesting recently. After months of consternation over the fact that no unified Plan blueprinting the future for Old Town seems to exist, what should appear in my mailbox but a nicely bound, official looking 45 page booklet entitled, “Tustin, Visions of Old Town”. Perhaps the post office is justified in raising the rates for stamps. The book is dated September 1991. Read more
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What’s Old is New
April 23, 2008
I receive quite a bit of email from folks concerned about the future of Old Town. In many cases, their worry extended to all ‘old towns’ in general, not just ours. After some thought, I’ve come to the conclusion that I don’t share the same trepidations. Here’s why.
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Two of a Kind
April 23, 2008
By and large, one thing you won’t find in Old Town are chain stores. Some would argue that’s the main reason the word “sleepy” sometimes pops up in descriptions of the area. On the other hand, it’s also what makes Old Town unique to Tustin and even Irvine. In keeping with that spirit, there are two local businesses in particular that exemplify the independent spirit of our downtown and make it such a special place to go.
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Chicken or the Egg?
April 23, 2008
I was hoping you could help me settle a bet. The majority of the consumer feedback sent to me bemoans the fact that Old Town seems to roll up the sidewalks by 5PM (a couple restaurants & bars notwithstanding). But if you were to poll the shop owners, the number one reason for the perceived bankers’ hours is that there are simply not enough people down here at night to warrant later closing times. Given what’s at stake for the local merchants, I think you’d be safe in labeling this a lose lose situation for all concerned.
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Noorm!
April 22, 2008
Be honest. Who wouldn’t want to hear their name shouted out as they walked through the door of their favorite watering hole? If your recent visits to a tavern feel about as authentic as a TGI Friday’s commercial or you think paying upwards of six dollars for a ‘premium’ draft should entitle you to stock options in the bar, then maybe you should consider what Old Town has to offer.
