I was sitting at the Analog Coffee on 17th by Thomkins park yesterday and wondering what it’s fate will be if Arlington Street owns the building and wants to redevelop it. I can’t think of another corner in the city where you can watch as many different types of people stroll by and feel like you’re in some Metropolitan world city.
If ASI’s goal is to make 17th ave more active and like St. Catherine’s in Montreal why would they choose the best corner of the area which already has character and tons of activity? Why not focus on worse areas like the myriad gravel parking lots, banks, suburban style fast food or failed projects like that whole block between 1st and 2nd street? I can’t think of a single scenario where they replace what is there now with something more vibrant or authentic.