ABSTRACT
Many cities in America and Europe are constructing "malls" in their downtown retail areas. These range from fully pedestrianized spaces, to transit malls, to merely widened and refurbished sidewalks. Malls are justified by two recurring beliefs: First, they will increase the tax base through greater commercial retail sales, and second, malls are intended to beautify, to create diversity, and to enhance interest in a decaying downtown as a place for human use and enjoyment. Downtown refers to the central business district (CBD) or core commercial-retail areas of cities, towns, and villages. Success of malls refers to quantitative economic and/or environmental benefits. Sales tax reports and numbers of applications for building permits provided sources easiest to monitor and most dependable. These are current community activities that reflect demonstrable need. However, the history of the community and site underline its changing nature. What tomorrow will bring is a matter of conjecture.
