This circuit took me to The Gratz Park neighborhood. This area is heavy on history, with such sites as the Hunt-Morgan house, Gratz Park Inn, and Henry Clay law office. Buildings in these older parts of town engage the street on a different level than their suburban analogs. In particular, the buildings themselves feel less private. The buildings are there to be seen by people passing by. Newer houses, businesses, churches are much more utilitarian. Sure, they want to look good but there is more focus on blending in. In suburban neighborhoods, yards seem to be there for the inhabitants of their respective houses, and this makes walking in newer neighborhoods feel somewhat empty. Businesses approach the street differently, too. In the suburbs, streets are functional–their job is to help people get to the door. But here, outdoor seating on the sidewalk, in some cases even extending to “parklets” created from parking spaces along streets, is part of the attraction. This is far more engaging; you buy a drink or  a meal and you can become part of the show you are watching. Dining in most contemporary American restaurants is much more private.

Since I’m coming back from a bit of a layoff, this is also my first chance to address the Walk Lex signs that were installed earlier this year. These are a nice wayfinding mechanism, and they absolutely highlight the connection between the neighborhoods and landmarks in and around downtown.