Sculpture Walk to broaden this Spring!

To get an idea of the the Sculpture Walk and its background, go to A!Magzine for the ArtsA virtual tour of the Sculpture Walk is located on the web: www.KingsportARTS.org

Word on the street is that 4 from last year have been purchased and 12 new sculptures will be coming soon. Keep your eyes open for the new sculptures, and if you’ve not gotten pictures of last years, be sure to do that soon!

Article highlights connection of real estate maintaining value to short commutes. ie. downtowns!

I heard this on the radio this morning and though I am not surprised, I am glad to see people are making the connections. Here’s a short clip:

Home Prices Drop Most in Areas with Long Commute

by Kathleen Schalch

Morning Edition, April 21, 2008 · Economists say home prices are nowhere near hitting bottom. But even in regions that have taken a beating, some neighborhoods remain practically unscathed. And a pattern is emerging as to which neighborhoods those are.

The ones with short commutes are faring better than places with long drives into the city. Some analysts see a pause in what has long been inexorable — urban sprawl.

The Washington, D.C., metropolitan area has been hit hard. Prices tumbled an average of 11 percent in the past year. That’s the big picture. But a look at Ashburn, Va., about 40 miles from the center of town, finds a steeper fall.

In parts of the county, housing prices have dropped 18 percent over that same period. New construction has ground to a halt.

Realtor Danilo Bogdanovic surveyed two rows of neat, new, brick townhouses on Falkner’s Lane. “These were selling for about $550,000 at the peak, which was about August ‘05, and they’re selling right now for about $350,000,” Bogdanovic said. “Fifty percent of this community has been ether foreclosed on or is facing foreclosure.”

For residents who work in the city, their commute is around an hour on trouble-free days. But that can extend upward toward two hours.

At a recent auction of foreclosed homes north of Washington, in the Maryland suburbs, there weren’t many takers. All of the addresses are far from downtown, and average commute times are among the highest in the nation.

Click here for the whole story.

Times News Article from late ‘07 about commercial and cultural change of Kingsport

“Model City undergoing commercial, cultural change

Published 11/22/2007 By Matthew Lane

A commercial and cultural renaissance is taking place in downtown Kingsport, where vacant buildings and ordinary streets have been transformed into new businesses, musical forums and a scene of art…”
For the full story go to http://www.timesnews.net/article.php?id=9003978″&gt.

The Barefoot Chameleon opens on Market Street

“Usually Barefoot…Always Changing”

Gwenn and Rick Holmes have opened shop at 119 East Market Street.

I sat down with Gwenn to hear her story and why she and her husband are downtown.

Previously called “Dreamweaver” and located at 201 West Sullivan street, where Ya Ya’s Candy now is, Gwenn and Rick found out that the owner of 201 was selling the building. It was then that Gwenn and Rick looked into moving their location to Market Street. After of a couple weeks they managed to convince the owner of the building to let them lease the space.

Gwenn and Rick are originally from this area. Gwenn’s parents from Blaire’s Gap, and Rick’s from Blountville. They are convinced that Downtown is the place to be, especially now as so much is happening.

Their store offers unique and unusual gifts for young and old. Examples are the Melissa and Doug Toys and Art Supplies, Naked Bee Products, and several unique home accents.

Gwenn states, “I am planning my grand opening on Sat. the 26th, 2008. I will have a chameleon drawing contest for ages 5-10 (details at shop!)”.

When I asked Gwenn about the tag line, she said that for the most part she loves going around barefoot, and the items in the store, patrons tell her, are always changing.

Drop by and welcome Gwenn to the neighborhood. You’ll enjoy finding out all that the Barefoot Chameleon has to offer.

Save Money, Support Local Economy, visit your Farmers Market in Downtown Kingsport which begins April 19th

The Farmers Market begins tomorrow in a slightly different spot but still on New Street. Kingport’s Farmers Market is one of the biggest in the region and is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays 7 to 12. Their official website is www.tricitiesfarm.org.

If you read the recent article in the Kingsport Times News titled “Skyrocketing fuel prices helping drive up food costs” then you’ll understand the importance of shopping locally and buying from your farmers market.

To quote the article by Sharon Caskey Hayes, “At www.frugalliving.about.com the writers suggest buying produce from the reduced rack. There you can get ripe fruit for a fraction of the cost.

The Web site also suggests buying frozen vegetables to cut costs, buying fruits and vegetables when they’re in season, and buying from your local farmers market.”

To read the full article, click here.

This post is proudly sponsored by AMMA / Appalachian Medical Massage Associates. AMMA is the nation’s only wellness center to offer Vodder Certified MLD, Nationally Certified Medical Massage Therapy, and SI, all under one roof. Experience the Difference.
We are located in Downtown Kingsport at 317 Cherokee Street Suite 101
Hours are by appointment M-Friday, between the hours of 8am and 7pm. (423) 288-2662

$11 Million Approved for Higher Ed Center In Downtown Kingsport

“Kingsport city officials approve $11 million for downtown Higher Ed Center”

Published 04/15/2008 By Matthew Lane

KINGSPORT — The Board of Mayor and Aldermen authorized $11.27 million in bonds Tuesday night to fund the construction of the Kingsport Center for Higher Education…” For the complete story click on the following link:Kingsport Times News article