[Winona] Our Benchmark of architectural quality (on the river)

[john finn]

[Winona Online Democracy]

Did anyone notice the newspaper article a while back in the New York Times (mentioned in the Winona Daily News) about the author’s journey along Hwy 61 because he was writing about Bob Dylan? He stayed overnight at the AmericInn and his only recorded impression of our town was of Surgarloaf and a riverfront blighted by abandoned grain elevators. Of course, he wasn’t here to write in depth about Winona in particular, and why he thought our barge terminals aren’t being utilized is a puzzle. But think about it. A casual observer of our downtown riverfront failed to notice the exquisite details of the Courthouse renovation or the upper story facades of storefronts along Third Street because, I suggest, the overall appearance of our downtown and riverfront makes the “historic” attractions irrelevant.   There’s much newsprint expended lately about our downtown revitalization efforts. And those involved probably would agree that the Mississippi Riverfront is an attraction to be capitalized upon and “reconnected” with as many other cities are doing. But those in control of the land and businesses there, for the most part, couldn’t care less.   Consider Benchmark Electronics for example. The Goodview facility, utilitarian structures, but with a modest amount of architectural embellishment, are nicely landscaped with well cared for lawns and trees. Benchmark’s web site features photos of their many worldwide locations that exhibit a similar concern for the kind of image they project. Compare and contrast those images with their building at Winona’s Riverview Drive entrance to downtown.   Until we can change the mindset that downtown is the place to go for cheap rent with no expectations that any sort of aesthetic standards be maintained, the revitalization folks might as well just try to get a casino boat located at the levee.        John N. Finn

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