"The Disposable Neighborhood"

Sole Survivor, Scott Avenue

Why is this building still here, and the other fifty building within a two block radius all gone? It is one of the great mysteries of urban renewal; why do the wrecking balls only take 98% of the building stock, and not 100%?

Was the owner particularly tenacious, or had a friend who could provide inexpensive legal representation? Was it owned by a large corporation? Did the owners have friends at City Hall?

Regardless, looking for the UPS depot one day in Google Maps, I spotted this sole survivor of the clearing of Mill Creek Valley.

Dixie Cream Donuts seems to still be in business, but I'm not sure if it's the same company. Just look at the Sanborn map below; can you imagine the bustling neighborhood below before it was destroyed for the interstates?

Tearing Down Buildings for the Gateway Mall

Western Downtown Skyscrapers

I wish the western edge had better connections and just a little historic architecture, but it was wiped out in the name of "urban renewal." At least one building was worth saving, right?