[Vision2020] Beauty speaks for itself

[Mark Seman]

Fiat Lux (et al),
You bring up a good point about the condition of Moscow's downtown.  There
are very few businesses that exhibit pride in the appearance of the building
they occupy.  One significant reason is because many business owners are not
the same people that own the building or property.  I don't know the
percentages, but there are sufficient absentee property owners that have
minimal interest in Moscow's community-appearance.  One effort to improve
the situation and has been in the works for 1-2 years, is a Business
Improvement District (BID.)  In essence it is a levy placed on property
owners, which would then be used to improve the district.  The levy amount
and the improvements made would be defined in the petition that initiates
the BID.  More on this can be found at the Chamber office or in the Idaho
Code, Title 50, section 2601.  Back to your point...

The improvements made to facilities by Zume, Bucer's, and other NSA
affiliates are inspiring and have been noticeable improvements to the
downtown.  These remodels have offered a glimpse of revitalization potential
because of someone's willingness to invest money in Moscow's downtown.
These improvements (and other considerate ones), while still very budget
minded, do cost money.  Not only money for the construction, but believe it
or not, on a rare occasion there may be a designer involved and they get
paid.  Compare these types of improvements with those built without
design...most surely an eyesore.  And there are even those on Main Street
that were "designed", that should never have been built.  Some people have
taste, some think they do and others know they do not.  When investing, it's
best to have taste.

And what is the taste of Moscow?  What would draw visitors here?  The most
prominent thing I can imagine are the events. It's definitely not the taste
of the infrastructure.  There is the random smattering of good taste and a
lot of just bad stuff, which sure fills up with renters and buyers, but what
does it tell the visitor?  I see the lack of pride and willingness to invest
in community.  I believe, as you do, that attractive buildings (and other
improvements) should be an integral part of Moscow's vision.  I hope that
they will eventually be manifest and commonplace.  It's such a good way to
taste!

Best wishes for your vision,
Mark
* * * * * * * * * * *
Mark Seman, Architect
Heather Seman, Landscape Architect
Full Circle Studios
1404 East 'F' Street
Moscow, Idaho 83843
v 208-883-3276
f 208-883-0112
FCS at Moscow.com

-----Original Message-----
From: vision2020-bounces at moscow.com [mailto:vision2020-bounces at moscow.com]On
Behalf Of Fiat Lux
Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 10:49 PM
To: vision2020 at moscow.com
Subject: [Vision2020] Beauty speaks for itself

Hi all,
Political and religious ideologies aside, let's talk
aesthetics for a moment.  The restorative treatment of
the building now occupied by NSA is to be commended
and appreciated by all.  Both the external and
internal work, at least from what I see in the
restaurant area, is very pleasing to the senses and
raises the bar, with regard to street appeal, for
other businesses in the downtown core.  The inside of
Zume is a beautiful space.   Beautification is good.

I do not know what (if anything) the city ordinances
have to say about maintenance standards for buildings
in the downtown core, but what NSA brings to our town
in this regard should be inspiring, not threatening.
There are other historic buildings in the downtown
core, that could benefit from similar treatment.
Sadly, some of Moscow's grand, old, cornerstone
buildings have achieved eyesore status.   The
condition of our town's prominent buildings speaks
volumes about our community, to those of us who live
here full time as well as the many visitors who pass
through.  Attractive buildings hurt no one.  Let's
include them as an integral part of our hopes and
"vision" for Moscow.

Yours truly,
Fiat Lux



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