It's one of the larger towns we've done - 117K souls. The Wikipedia entry sounds like it was done by local boosters, calling it "a tourist destination." Paris, watch your back. It also notes it's been featured in film and television: "The Daily Show has featured Evansville in two episodes. The first featured a story about comedian Carrot Top's reopening of the historic Victory Theatre. "

Let's take a look around. It's an interesting place, with many old buildings. Everyone knows what this was:

I'd say it could have been the First National Bank, but when you turn around you realize they have different ideas about bank names in this down.

I've no idea if my suspicions are correct, but we all know what this was, right?

I'm sure it wsas a department store, and everyone who goes early to Denny's for the senior special remembers going there as a kid.

Evansville had the usual problems after the war, and unfortunately took the usual steps: "urban renewal," which leveled some old blocks, and a pedestrian mall.

Neither was a good idea.

A sixties classic:

The grid on the facade is more 80s than 60s, but the black brick and gold windows represent a brief, minor trend in mid-late 60s architecture. And it's a throwback to some 1920s skyscrapers. Didn't catch on, but the few examples always have a stark, sophisticated look.

I hope he found peace in the end:

So, let's Google:

The Bitterman is an upscale market providing local artisans, crafters, and small businesses an opportunity to display their wares in an atmosphere that holds the perfect combination of modern and vintage flair. The Mini Shoppes are the solution for up-and-coming businesses to advertise and sell your locally made goods, while still maintaining your day job!

Last blog entry: two and a half years ago. Front page of the site:

I WANT TO THANK EVERYBODY ON BEHALF OF ALL THE SHOP OWNERS FOR A WONDERFUL DECEMBER. MAY GOD'S BLESSINGS BE UPON YOU IN 2016.

So. It also has a link to preserveevansville.org, which wasn't.

This isn't the department store at the top of the page. It's anotehr. Strouse's. Closed.

That ugly duckbill awning was slapped on buidlings all over downtown. If I recall the rationale in Fargo, the awnings were intended to compete with the climate-controlled malls. See. you won't get wet! Much.

"Beauty and the Beast" comes to mind:

The decision-making procedure that went into the two buidlings on the right - I'd give a dollar to hear what they were thinking.

Watered-down International Style, with color! And peculiar arches. This style has no value today, which is a pity.

They'll tear down all the examples before they realize they miss it.

When old venerable financial instutitions or office blocks get a workout club, it's often a sign that they're trying to reposition and repopulate.

Somehow it doesn't say "downtown" like, oh, a thriving bank or a fully-rented prestige office tower.

More next page; there's a lot here.