ABSTRACT
Over the four or five decades that followed World War II, North American cities suffered. Many families and much of the tax base shifted to fast-growing suburbs. Downtowns witnessed dramatic disinvestment. Brad and Cynthia Hoppie own Optique, an eyewear shop on Sherman Avenue. The Hoppies represent a return to the local family-owned personal services that used to be a hallmark of American commerce. Artspace has been exporting its expertise to other cities. In recent years, it has taken on similar renovation projects in Buffalo, Houston, Miami, Reno, Pittsburgh, and Seattle. Cities all over the country are realizing how important it is to nurture their home-grown culture. Frank's Diner sits on the edge of downtown Spokane, Washington. It occupies an ornate railroad car that once served as the tail end of a whistle-stopping presidential train. Frank's is an anomaly in contemporary American commerce.
