Big Value, corner of 11th and Spring.

I stopped to chat with Pete Good yesterday. His Big Value shop is an institution on the corner of 11th and Spring, stretching all the way back to around the time of the Ford administration, and that sort of longevity is impressive, indeed.

Most noticeably to passers-by, Big Value sells many patriotic items -- flags, bunting, bumper stickers and the like, some of which Pete is discounting in honor of 9-11 commemorations. Of note to me is that he will not sell an American flag that isn't American-made.

Just behind Big Value, the Jon-Paul contracting firm is restoring the old, atmospheric commercial structure on the southeast corner of 11th and Oak, and also building a new (small) apartment building behind it. It is my understanding that the new owners will be looking for a business tenant.

While neighborhoods like Midtown are viewed today as residential, formerly there were small businesses -- shops, cafes and the like. There could be again, and my personal view is that there should and must be some commerce amid the homes.