I try to keep an open mind. Really, I do. However, I am baffled about why a group formed in Amarillo, Texas, to promote a certain agenda keeps getting sniped at by individuals and — please forgive me if I sound unkind — a few soreheads who cannot tolerate the influence this group has acquired. … Continue reading Local PAC under fire once again
I don’t get back to Amarillo, Texas, as often these days. My wife and I are getting set to plant new roots in a home in Collin County. We aren’t going to cease returning to the city we called “home” for more than decades. I am getting anxious to witness the rebirth of its downtown … Continue reading Watching the rebirth of a city’s downtown
Beth Duke is a longtime friend of mine; I’ve known her since January 1995 when I first moved to Amarillo, Texas, to become editorial page editor of the Amarillo Globe-News, where she was serving as features editor and later as city editor. Thus, I feel safe in saying that Duke is doing what she now … Continue reading City set for a smashing new year
You’ve heard it said, “If they can put a man on the moon, why can’t they, um, make the trains run on time?” Amarillo, Texas, might have a “put a man on the moon” metaphor of its own. It could go something like this: “If they can find a way to rehabilitate and reopen the … Continue reading Now, how about the Herring Hotel?
The answer to the question posed in the headline is easy to discern. Downtown. They all have thriving downtown districts in common. Show me a city with bustling, living, vibrant central business and entertainment district and I’ll show you a city on the move — in the right direction! I am happy to reaffirm that … Continue reading What do thriving cities have in common?
Beth Duke is on a singular mission, which is to improve the economic condition of Amarillo’s downtown district. It makes sense, given her day job as executive director of Amarillo Center City. This past weekend, Center City conducted a tour of historic structures scattered through the downtown region. The aim of the tour is to … Continue reading Downtown’s future looking brighter
Is it me or does the pace of downtown Amarillo’s transformation appear to be picking up steam? I don’t get downtown as much as I used to, but the things I keep seeing and hearing give me hope that this Panhandle outpost city is getting its act in gear as it concerns the reshaping of … Continue reading Pace quickens on downtown reshaping
Maybe I’m easily amazed. Whatever. My amazement is focused on what I have perceived to be a remarkable about-face at Amarillo City Hall. It involves the city’s focus on its downtown business and entertainment district. It has gone from a hands-off public policy to a definite hands-on approach. I am utterly convinced the entire city … Continue reading City takes an astonishing turn
This picture is of a building that’s coming down on Polk Street, near Seventh Avenue, in downtown Amarillo. A friend of mine, Wes Reeves, snapped it and posted it on social media earlier today. I’ve known Reeves for many years and I have developed a keen affection for his own love of local history and … Continue reading Sometimes old makes way for new
I have made no secret of my enthusiastic support for the steps Amarillo has taken toward the revival of the city’s downtown business district. It’s been dramatic and at some level actually breathtaking. The construction activity along Buchanan is a sight to behold. The Potter County Courthouse restoration is a thing of beauty. Polk Street … Continue reading Downtown revival far from total