Recently, while motoring down Custer Road in Lakewood, I spotted the sign depicted below while waiting at a red traffic light.
As I studied the sign, the first concept that came into my “thinker” was the word, Professional. The sign promotes the idea that all the business entities, and organizations inside the “professional” complex are themselves professional.
The next series of photos shows you what I saw after studying the sign.
Unkempt landscape with tall weeds, eyesore yellow stake sign, graffiti, and pop-can trash. Some of the vegetation actually blocks the building sign, thereby failing to identify some of the entities inside. If I were a professional renting space at the Professional Center, I would ask for a rent discount because the sign is of absolutely no value in terms of identifying my business or organization.
When I look at the sign and then look at the property, I suffer from visual dissonance. Maybe I should have tried to use the word disharmonious in describing my reaction to what I was observing. If the fact that the property lacks professional appearance is any indication of how professional the occupants really are, it is likely I will never become a customer or client.
This abandoned looking property makes our city look run down, like something one could expect to see in a slum area.
The property certainly has a lot of upside potential to become an attractive professional looking location. If I had my youth back, I would love to buy this property and make it a jewel in Lakewood. With a beautiful, well-kept appearance, I could attract what? Professional occupants. In the end, the city would be a better place. The occupants would be better served.
I will admit that I am not always right about everything. For those who might not agree with me, another option would be to leave the property in its current condition. Do not change a thing. Instead have a new sign made up replacing the word Professional with a more descriptive word such as Unprofessional, or Mediocre. The new more accurately descriptive sign could read Custer Unprofessional Center or Custer Mediocre Center.
My friend, Todd Johnson, who strives for mediocrity on a daily basis, tells me one of his secrets for successful living is to simply lower one’s standards. He finds it takes much less effort to attain mediocrity.
The new sign would have the extra advantage of providing truth in advertising.
You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, now do you?
Hmpf…that graffitti is a city owned utility box at the sidewalk, and is likely the traffic light control for the intersection.
BTW, I drive (motor) past this site twice a day and think absolutely nothing negative about the appearance of the property. Much like a home with grass that should have been mowed last week. Oh, that’s right….we do have grass police right here in River City
I don’t know who Todd Johnson is, but he sounds like my kinda guy. Let’s invite him to lunch. We’ll probably have to pay.
Joe,
I think you should start a weekly column on run-down areas like this in Lakewood. Maybe if the landlords knew you were on the prowl with your smart phone camera they might start cleaning up to not be the subject of next week’s article.
Great job bringing this up.
Mr. Horn,
Thank you for reading my column and for your comment. You present to me what I consider to be an excellent idea.
If a property owner can offend us with a trashy looking property, I should be able to spotlight the property. If a property owner possesses what me might refer to as brain 1, they would take a look at their property to make certain their property presents a good image for our community if for no other reason as to avoid the Joe Boyle spotlight. With my ability to research property ownership I could include the property owner’s name with the article.
Can you think of a name for a weekly column spot lighting derelict properties?
Mr. Horn, I have to stop writing my reply so I can head over the Lakewood Glass on Gravelly Lake Drive SW near 112th St SW. If I find the owner has acted in a responsible manner, no photos. If I find the property owner is trashing Lakewood like we are a slum, out comes my iPhone.
Joseph Boyle
Joe, I can’t wait to see what you find. Let’s have coffee soon.
Greg
Joe, I work in this building. While this article is embarrassing, I am actually glad you wrote it. I’ve been trying to get the owners to clean up the property. I weeded out our own area and planted flowers, but the rest of the property is severely neglected. I have forwarded this article to the property manager and owner.
Kari Ericson,
You are obviously an individual of mature confidence and a big thinker. Thank you for reading my column and for your honest, brave, and constructive response.
I have over 50 years of residential and commercial property ownership and management. I have always tried to treat my tenants in a fair manner to give them their money’s worth for the rent they were paying to me.
I hope your note to your manager and owner is received and responded to in a mature and responsible manner. The property could easily be quite attractive.
While it was not my goal to create embarrassment, I knew that embarrassment was a risk. My goal was to see if I could inspire the owner to make the property an asset for the tenants and our Lakewood community.
Thanks again for writing.
Joseph Boyle
Joe, after forwarding the article to the property manager, there were workers here two hours later. It looks great! Again, thank you.
Kari,
Thanks for sharing this wonderful news. I will drive over to take a look. I guess although we do not know each other, we are a team. The world, at least your part of the world, is a better place.
Joseph Boyle