Comments on: Downtown’s big loss: several stalwarts departing

By: Blue Streak » Downtown on verge of losing another beloved fixture

Blue Streak » Downtown on verge of losing another beloved fixture — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 21:43:33 +0000

[...] Andie Ray has sold Vagabondia. Robert Loest has passed away. And I’m afraid we are about to lose another downtown icon: Taylor, the downtown rose [...]

By: Laura Bower

Laura Bower — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:23:10 +0000

Definitely food for thought. I’ve always fantasized about having a downtown loft, once my nest is empty. I love the restaurants, the shops, the entertainment and the general downtown vibe. And, of course, I have fond memories of Watson’s on Market Square back in the day. I don’t understand the constant construction, and I don’t enjoy the motley throngs that turn out for the Big Events. Will be watching further developments with a vested interest.

By: Annette Winston

Annette Winston — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:31:49 +0000

Interesting news on both these couples. It does make one wonder if, after years of “closeness” to other people, one develops a longing for space. Yes, there is always something going out right outside your door and perhaps that becomes wearing after awhile. I don’t know; haven’t tried it, though I have always thought I’d like it.

By: John Dominic Barbarino

John Dominic Barbarino — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:21:18 +0000

Change really does live up to its name. What isn’t here is how much Andie Ray and the McCarthy’s contributed to the LAUNCH of downtown. LIke founding parents, they create and then they move on. There are less visable Knoxvillians who were major forces in downtown revival that now find themselves in the suburbs of Knoxville, Oak Ridge and even the five “towns” that make up New York City. What clearly is in place is worth celebrating, and I am sure like the rest of us who watched a ghost town come alive again, it will be excellent to visit and see it all thrive with different faces. Though, yes, I agree it really is sad to know that familiar isn’t just around the corner or walking his or her dog. Though, Manhattan on the Upper East Side is catching Market Square fever. Kelly is around the corner from me on E.96th Street. We keep running into each other randomly. (Very unheard of in this city.) One night, I said something about Market Square “happenings” and said she will explain it to her companion standing next to her husband. Turns out, he is a former server from Tomato Head and lives in Brooklyn! Whenever I see a blonde woman in a hat walking by, well, I am not always so sure it won’t be Miss Downtown Ray. Yes, I agree, though, the heartbreak of change is also its reminder there is something special going on.

By: Allyn Purvis Schwartz

Allyn Purvis Schwartz — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:41:57 +0000

Changes are always sad, I think. Andie has plans to keep the store, if the new owner will lease her the space, that is WHEN the building sells. It may take a while to sell in the current real estate climate. Market Square would be weird without Vagabondia, I think!

BTW, we still have new stuff coming in daily!

By: Janet Testerman

Janet Testerman — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:50:48 +0000

Sadly, the staff of Knoxville Magazine and skirt! Magazine are also no longer among the synergy of downtown. We’ve moved back to the “big house,” which means I’ll need an extra 15 minutes, Cynthia, for lunch or cocktail plans. I’ll miss the connection. It’s a great place to hang your hat by day and/or night and agree there is still a slow push forward and I’ll continue to enjoy all our downtown has to offer.

By: Diana Morgan

Diana Morgan — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:04:00 +0000

Any one who has the guts to raise a beagle in a loft is a huge loss to the downtown ambience. That takes courage.