Urban Planning and Transportation Issues in Biggest Little State in the Union
Urban Planning and Transportation Issues in Biggest Little State in the Union
Ladies and Gentlemen, a look at Thayer St, 2020:
The College Hill Bookstore, a fixture on Providence's (formerly?) funkiest thoroughfare, will close shop in two months. The owner cites big box bookstores and internet sites for declining revenues.
I'm pretty sure I don't need to explain why this is bad news for Providence, but really, wasn't this inevitible? In Your Ear records, another Thayer Street institution closed recently. One of the newest eateries on the strip is from the Johnny Rockets chain. There's already a Starbucks. A Gap store. With two pillars of local culture (books and music) going or gone, can the Avon be far behind? Of course not, but then I would have said no way would the College Hill Bookstore would close either.
The suburbanization of Providence continues...
TrackBackWow, that sucks.
I don't spend a ton of time hanging out on Thayer street, but I love that place. And you scared me with that "Avon" comment.
June 5, 2004 01:07 AMToo bad... I just went in there for the first time recently... :-(. Before leaving MN, I was in a used bookstore there (several are thriving in the Twin Cities) and one seller suggested that independent used bookstores are far better propositions than new bookstores, as the new sellers can't compete against Amazon and B&N et al.
Anyone been to Symposium yet downtown?
Garris
June 5, 2004 11:16 PMSymposium-
I walked by it last night, but it was closed. It's on my list of things to do. Unfortunately they are closed on Sunday.
June 6, 2004 12:47 AMawwwright!!! we're getting a waffle house!!???
no seriously, im sad about the college hill bookstore, and i will be sad about the avon as well.
Stopped by the College Hill Bookstore on the way home this afternoon. The books are flying off the shelves. Better head over quick if you wanna make a final purchase.
June 15, 2004 05:39 PMThis just sucks. Felt good to chill there, green tea in hand, browsing, cruising, simply enjoying that groove side of Providence. Won't be the same. Especially on Saturdays. Okay then.
July 2, 2004 12:13 PM