It's that time again, when thousands of dollars flow back into Downtown Chico, attached, howbeit temporarily, to new and returning students at Chico State.
The student population is an economic shot in the arm for downtown merchants, food and beverage (especially beverage) operators, and service providers. The retail mix downtown certainly reflects a synergy (or co-dependency, according to how you look at it) between the commercial corridor and the academy. Not that the relationship is always congenial, but students depend on the downtown as much as downtown depends on the student body. Having a thriving shopping district immediately adjacent to the campus certainly enhances the academic experience.
And it must be said that the spirit of inquiry and quest for knowledge informs the cultural dimension of the downtown, as well. The gathering places, from the city plaza to the coffeehouses, from the taverns to the tabernacles, are infused with energy and participation from the migratory population of exuberant youth.
So while we anticipate the usual grumbling from the townies about the "invasion" of rampant undergrads, it's important to remember that the downtown bread is buttered with student cash. Fortunately, the city center is in pretty good shape for the return of the transients. The empty storefronts are bustling with rehabilitation activity. Fleet Feet is moving into the old Confetti location, a Mediterranean restaurant and grocery is occupying the old Moxies space, and I'm given to understand that a ladies' ready-to-wear retailer is taking over the old Herreid's Music site.
Kudos, incidentally, to Chico Velo bicycle club for hiring North Valley Renovations (whom I hailed in an earlier posting) to pressure wash the bulbed out areas at the busiest intersection in downtown. Ed McLaughlin and I don't agree about much, but we're both disappointed in the sorry state of the sidewalks. Credit due for putting money where his mouth is. Thanks.
About Me: From commentary on local politics to critiques of art and culture to random philosophical musings, my occasional observations are a Dog's Breakfast of media criticism that is sometimes surprising, sometimes unappetizing, but always colorful.
Oh man, I was just saying to myself, "Boy, Downtown Chico sure could use another women's clothing boutique." Now if we could work on getting a few more bars and coffee shops downtown, too.
Damon--
Sorry to harsh your mellow, but ladies' pret-a-porter is definitely up from yet another tattoo parlor. We certainly don't need any more bars, although I'd love to see more upgrades (like the Stormy's->Banshee rehab). And coffee? Well, downtown's pretty well caffeinated, although I'm a good 2.5 blocks from secular joe.
One of the things that Starbucks demonstrated is that they don't hurt nearby coffee houses. Indeed, indies looking to open cafes would do well to locate near them. Once a cafe culture establishes itself, it becomes a consumer magnet.
And ladies' apparel is the same. Boutiques + shoe stores = High Babe Factor. HBF translates into real box office revenue for even the tattoo parlors. Don't be doggin' the fashion dens.