A while back ago, there was an abandoned mall, a company bought it and allowed anybody to rent a small space in the open mall as a small business shop. People would put up curtains as walls and rent was very cheap.
The place was full of small vendors, more classy than a flea market, especially with the AC, but many artists selling all forms, and many odd widgets being sold. There was even a place that did custom glass blowing, etc etc. it was a real pleasure to be in and a community thrived there.
Importantly it was open consistently each day, so you could just randomly pop in and see what’s up.
From what I understand, the place was even making a profit, but apparently not enough. It was eventually sold and now it warehouses antique cars.
I think all those artists and small vendors vanished or moved online.
I miss it.
It was good.
I’d like more of those back, and to experience what community could develop from that.
9/11 lasted less than 2 hours. From first impact to last fall.
I can still remember most every detail of that day.
Mass trauma is like that.