MOULE: The no-point press conference

By Jeremy Moule on March 10, 2009

You'd think somebody would at least take the "For Lease" sign out of the window at Gateway Centre.

The building, at 150 East Main Street, will be part of the Renaissance Square project. A huge sign fixed to the front of it, trumpeting that fact, was unveiled today by project planners, despite the fact that building was donated by the Farash family five years ago -- in 2003.

"Future Home of Renaissance Square," reads the sign. "Special thanks to Max and Marian Farash and the Farash family for donating the building."

That was the gist of a press conference held today in front of the building - city police officers blocked off Main Street between Clinton and St. Paul just for the event. There was no mention of high-speed rail, which has been all over the news lately. There was no mention of any new funding, either. Just more assurances that the project is moving forward, along with some reaffirmations of what planners see as the benefits.

"This says Renaissance Square is real," said County Executive Maggie Brooks.

"Eight months from now what you see directly behind me, you will not see," said RGRTA CEO Mark Aesch, alluding to the impending demolition of the involved properties on the Main and Clinton block.