Last month, I had an opportunity to revisit stomping grounds, former hangouts. Back when I frequented the area, people hung out at the snack shops, played games at the arcade and enjoyed the vibrant night life overall. Even though this was a fairly short period of time, I think they reflected some formative years in my adolescence (2006~2010). Simple, carefree moments in the friendships and entertainment found here.
I rarely found myself returning to this place after the shops I attended foreclosed. The property owners likely had opportunities to try different things in the past (16 or so!) years. While change is inevitable, I feel like this plaza had taken its time to develop new business models and make it somewhat profitable. Without a doubt, the pandemic had some influence with such a slow resurgence. Thanks to social media content, I gained curiosity to come back and check out the new shops and offerings.
When I finally came over to see it, I was shocked by the amount of renovation (or lack thereof) that had been done. The external, ‘skeletal’ structure looked exactly the same, but nearly all of the stores have transformed into something new. At a glance, I can recognize the landmark from the freeway exit. In my mind however, I can only recall the shops I came to during its 2000’s popularity; even that visual is fading. With the way that the economy is now, I wish the new businesses the best of luck for the next generation.
Have you ever revisited an old place just to find out that the “magic” vanished years ago? This isn’t the first time I’ve come back to old spaces, just to find myself feeling deflated. My takeaway is that these places don’t serve the person I am today. That’s perfectly okay; that’s just how growth works. On the day that we visited, I told my boyfriend I don’t see myself returning or reclaiming any of this anymore. Thanks for the memories.
* * * * *
Amazed in old Path
Then do a Mid Plaza
Phantom Laid Daze
the Diamond Plaza
I rarely found myself returning to this place after the shops I attended foreclosed. The property owners likely had opportunities to try different things in the past (16 or so!) years. While change is inevitable, I feel like this plaza had taken its time to develop new business models and make it somewhat profitable. Without a doubt, the pandemic had some influence with such a slow resurgence. Thanks to social media content, I gained curiosity to come back and check out the new shops and offerings.
When I finally came over to see it, I was shocked by the amount of renovation (or lack thereof) that had been done. The external, ‘skeletal’ structure looked exactly the same, but nearly all of the stores have transformed into something new. At a glance, I can recognize the landmark from the freeway exit. In my mind however, I can only recall the shops I came to during its 2000’s popularity; even that visual is fading. With the way that the economy is now, I wish the new businesses the best of luck for the next generation.
Have you ever revisited an old place just to find out that the “magic” vanished years ago? This isn’t the first time I’ve come back to old spaces, just to find myself feeling deflated. My takeaway is that these places don’t serve the person I am today. That’s perfectly okay; that’s just how growth works. On the day that we visited, I told my boyfriend I don’t see myself returning or reclaiming any of this anymore. Thanks for the memories.
* * * * *
Amazed in old Path
Then do a Mid Plaza
Phantom Laid Daze
the Diamond Plaza
Comments
Post a Comment