Along my block there are four new apartments being built. Sandwiched between them are remnants of what was there before: Auto repair, abandoned houses, one story office spaces. It’s likely not long before those get swallowed up by new property developments as well.
The whole block was like that, and never having made use of the services provided, I never gave it a second look. All the exteriors were unique and forgettable.
I look at these construction sites now with contempt, because I know that what will spring forth is a wholly uninspired apartment building that will stick out like a sore thumb. I know this because one is already up, and looks much too nice and hip and expensive. But soon it will be amongst similar company, with these new kids on the block well on their way.
I think about that first apartment, during its construction phase, and now that it’s been done for about two years, I can’t even remember what was there before. My memory fails me, and will likely fail me again.