Internetworkers: http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/

[internetworkers AT lists.ibiblio.org (Jim Allman)]

> It's a nice idea, BUT, until the real estate industry
> around here stops handing out crack I don't think it'll
> happen. You would think that some of these companies
> would want to get a fair price instead of letting it sit
> empty. NOT.

Many years ago (well before the boom, late '80s I guess), I was fishing
around for studio space in downtown Raleigh and especially in the old
"underground" at Cameron Village. For those who don't know, this is an
entire *level* of shops and clubs beneath the section that now houses the
public library.

I'm told that for decades, this was a thriving part of Cameron Village, with
good music and whatnot. For some reason it was sealed off and eventually
even the glass entry was removed, leaving just an empty parking lot.

Anyhow, a few friends and I were sniffing around to see if it could be
cleaned up and revived for a cluster of art studios and small offices. No
interest at all (anti-interest?) on the part of York Properties, who would
rather let it rot. Go figure..

Then again, we were a shaggy bunch of college kids and destitute artists at
the time, so it's hard to blame 'em. I suspect that for corporate (vs
wealthy individual) owners, surrendering commercial space to bohemians is
always a last resort.

By the way, my name's Jim Allman. I probably know some of you, but I've just
signed on to the list. It's been pretty lively so far :)