Well, the guys at AB417 were kind enough to let me join their societal think tank, so of course I had to pony up a 2,000-word essay for the new newsletter.
The essay, In Defense of Fake Authenticity, is now live on the AB417 web site.
My essay is a response of sorts to a post on Scott Greider’s blog in which he criticizes a local Uno’s Pizzaria for looking like an old urban building but actually being a new suburban building.
I agree with Scott’s concerns, but offer a different perspective:
But I contend there is something real behind this fake authenticity, something that I’d say is good and decent. And those who want to preserve and recapture our city’s downtown as a place of destination and a true city center should look to this fake authenticity as a source of hope.
Wow! Who knew a rambling, latenight post a few months back would inspire such eloquence? Didn’t have the time to read and evaluate the whole thing, but I will, and then I’ll respond.
And can’t wait to get to know each other better soon.