Downtowns old and new dot region

JERRE REDECKER THE OLYMPIAN

When walking out the door to go "downtown," what does that mean?

Does it include a trip to Olympia's historic and traditional business district full of small shops, restaurants and art galleries? To Yelm's increasingly busy main street on the way to the new movie theater complex? To Shelton's company-town Railroad Avenue or its new west-side shopping areas?

That's where The Olympian looks today in the first of two special sections on South Sound downtowns.

This week's section looks at cities with traditional downtowns -- those combining businesses, shopping and entertainment in well-defined areas that are easy for pedestrians to get around. Included is Tenino's old-fashioned downtown, where buildings reflect the sandstone heritage of the town. So are the restaurants and shopping in McCleary and the business district in Elma, which is nearing the end of major street upgrades that will modernize downtown.

Next Sunday's section, which will profile Lacey, Tumwater and DuPont, will focus on cities that are making specific visions of a downtown come true. Lacey is rebuilding within its business district. Tumwater is building south of the downtown that was cut in half by Interstate 5. And DuPont is starting from scratch with a planned city. Also featured will be Rainier and Bucoda in south Thurston County.

Visit the downtowns of South Sound in these keepsake special sections.

Click here!

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