Standing on the boardwalk outside Bartaco recently, Luke Hammerman enjoyed the view.
The Staples Class of 2010 grad liked the river, and the broad sweep southward.
Parker Harding Plaza — not so much.
This is what the back of Main Street looked like when the Saugatuck River lapped against the stores — before the construction of Parker Harding Plaza. It doesn’t look a lot better today.
Then Luke had a thought: What if property owners spiffed up the backs of their Main Street stores, and painted them a variety of interesting colors?
It’s a great idea. Bartaco has packed the west back of the Saugatuck. New restaurants will bring even more life soon.
Now it’s up to Main Street merchants to give diners and drinkers a reason to cross the bridge. A compelling view is a small step in that direction.