#ARTIFACTUAL
Downtown First
July 18, 2017
DEFINITION: Something made by human hands that has some archaeological or historical significance
Like the proverbial Phoenix from the ashes, St. Joseph’s historic downtown is on the rise. Downtown First (formerly known as First Saturdays) is a celebration of the district’s reemergence, complete with themes and samples from the area’s businesses.
It’s another First Saturday in the downtown district. An open invitation to celebrate the passion and precision that downtown’s unique small businesses offer – colorful macarons from Brioche French Bakery and Café, diligently selected cheese from Felix Street Gourmet, craft brews from The Tiger’s Den Bookstore and Bar, handmade scarves from Mod Podge Boutique, a creative cocktail from Club Geek, home décor from Nesting Goods, or vintage clothing and jewelry from The Lucky Tiger.
Downtown has become a blank canvas of landmark buildings and historic streets for young artists and entrepreneurs to create with, build upon, and breathe new life into.
“I hear it all the time now, ‘Wow! I didn’t know all this was down here.’ If you can get them downtown on a First Saturday, they will come back…Our main goal is to intertwine art and live music with commerce.”
Café Pony Espresso Barista, Arlo Elliott echoes those sentiments and facetiously refers to his profession as…
“…the artistry of coffee mixed with crass capitalism.”
Downtown First events incorporate fun themes and events like wine walks, sidewalk sales, cultural heritage festivals, Holidays at the Square, and whatever else the Downtown First board conjures up. Watch out in March for a leprechaun that’ll throw Lucky Charms cereal at you. On the surface, it appears to be all fun and merriment, but go a level deeper and you’ll uncover a sense of community, togetherness, and new possibilities that seem to waft through the air and intoxicate patrons.
For those that have grown up in this community and have only thought of downtown as a deteriorating ghost town with fading memories of yesteryear, events like First Saturdays are kind of surreal. To see these buildings filled with fresh perspectives and ideas, not to mention ACTUAL people is like watching the proverbial phoenix rise from the ashes.
Let the renaissance of downtown and Downtown First continue forevermore! Huzzah!
#DELICIOUS
What does it take to become a local legend in sandwich-making? The recipe calls for a family history of food know-how, plus a generous amount of business savvy.
#INDUSTRIOUS
Joe Gray, founder of Gray Manufacturing, began the company with his inventor father, J.H. Gray.
#INSPIRING
Dwayne Blakely just has a way. A way with football. With fitness. And with inspiration.
#DELECTABLE
When it’s time for a coffee fix, St. Joseph’s options range from the eclectic to the trendy to the fast and familiar. The coffee culture in St. Joseph continues to expand and thrive, fueled by historic roasters, young entrepreneurs and locals who want to open the doors to a comfortable piece of the city’s relaxed vibe.
#IRON-WILLED
There’s a lot to love about St. Joseph’s Southside. This tight-knit community is on pace for a major comeback.