We’ve asked some friends of ours to provide us with their thoughts about the new year, and we’ll be publishing them this week:
I have no insider information, crystal balls or investors lined up. BUT… I think 2011 may be the year we finally start to figure some things out. More specifically, I think 2011 will be the year that private investors start to believe what some of us have already figured out.
Inner city reinvestment into both commercial real estate and neighborhoods will begin to move from a dream to reality because developers, lenders and tenants will find that there is money to be made in projects that connect to identifiable locations in a trendy way… perhaps in ways that the old trend-setters don’t recognize but trendy nonetheless. Hard-headed landlords and property owners will start to see that there are deals to be struck if they get just a bit more reasonable on asking price. This will be driven more by pioneering individuals than groups, non-profits or government agencies.
The coolest part of the city in 2011 may be along the Winchester corridor from Hickory Hill to Germantown. Not because it is in any way an example of architecture or urban planning that should ever be replicated but because it is the supreme example of the organic nature of economic development. By freak chance, this area is what you get when culture and business collide creating a critical mass of catalytic interest. Today, this is THE place for celebrating cultural diversity, enjoying authentic restaurants run by people from around the world and watching neighborhoods reinvent themselves for maybe the fourth time in less than twenty years.
In 2011, this area will move from being a forgotten wasteland to a curious attraction for a lot more people in this region. By 2012, the secret will be ours.
I don’t think this bears much resemblance or relationship to reality, nor does it display any relationship to common sense, sense, or workability.
That may be in it’s favor.
I don’t think you’re on target with “trendy” at all, those days are gone, i think “quality, steadfastness, continuously provable workability is a much better target and will keep your “trendy” idea from dying.
BK:
I think you might be right. Perhaps quality and accessibility are destined to become the trend.
And… it wouldn’t be any fun predicting another year of bone headed foolishness and misery. I do think there are some little jewels that might start to emerge this year, despite our boneheadedness.