My parents would always do the laundry in that building. I remember sitting on the plastic benches listening to bad 70's music. We also went into the St Vincent store quite often and purchased trinkets and knick knacks. I bought the paperback of  Jaws and was pretty excited because it had the naked lady swimming on the cover. I must of thought I was getting away with something at the time. Luckily, I did not develop a huge porn addiction. 

Anyway, I love that building and drive by it on my way into/out of town. I hope they don't tear it down. I think a record store would be cool. Connected with a somewhat run down coffee shop area as it seems like Duluth is devoid of such a place. I miss the old coffee shop by the NorShor before they had all the computers taking up the space.

Were you lying on the ground from a gunshot wound when that photo was taken?

Work that Dutch Angle!

I think maybe it's time to re-claim those buildings for the counter culture--I see a bandspace/alt venue that also offers wood-fired baked sourdough and free wireless access, with beverages brewed from swamp leaf tea and birchbark (I'm not being sarcastic!). (And if someone has a shoe repair sewing machine, we could use that, too.) 

Chester Creek House is still there, the Co-op is going strong. We all still need shoes. Let's make our culture anew! (Okay, I'm just a hippie from another planet, but still...doesn't that sound like an improvement over neighborhood shootings and waiting for the next failed business attempt?)

Speedy Wienie has certainly considered such an enterprise ... such tough going in small business in this town, though.  And the last time Speedy got itself involved in a community-minded neighborhood revival, well ... it didn't turn out so good.

Thanks Mr C on the public photo clarification

If I'm rembering correctly, wasn't there a murder in that laundromat last summer?

I didn't know the name of it, but the Piper Building is where much of this story took place.

My ex-husband lived in that building when I met him when we were dating in college.  It was a little sketchy, there were some interesting upstairs neighbors that had no problem drinking vodka with their 14 year old daughter in the middle of the day.  But they were kind.  Sometimes we would find evidence that someone had slept in his car if he left it unlocked.  I seem to remember there was a fire there at some point.  I'm sure it was ridiculously cheap.

Sjixxxy: Thank you.

heysme: You're welcome.

I love Ramos' story. Love it.  Like Duluth Pulitzer love it.

As for Friean01 I urgently agree.  And yes, I do know what urgent means, but it seems closer to my real feeling than "fervent."  We don't need another summer like the last one in that block.  Never again.