Buildings of Broadway

At the end of February we sat down at the bar over a drink and memories.  What was created was an idea, and this idea has been griping us for almost six months now. With perseverance and patience the documentary that we had envisioned is now going to be created. Buildings of Broadway has been officially given the green light. (whew). The process of trying to find financing has been trying, and exhausting. It's also something that has caused a few headaches and let's just say a few words that may offend some people. But with that said, as do much in all of life, sometimes you just need to wait it out and catch the opportunity when it arrives. Throughout it all though we have been continuing on with the project the best way we can. It's been an exciting time listening and reading stories of various people about their memories of downtown Albert Lea.  And quite frankly it's the positive response that this project is getting that has kept us believing that this is a project worth the continuous  pursuit. I could get winded about what the project is, but I think I'll just try to sum it up briefly.

Buildings of Broadway

1) It's a documentary, pertaining specifically downtown Albert Lea, with Broadway being a primary focus.
2) The focus is to provide a historical look at what businesses used to be in these buildings, and a current focus on what is currently occupying them now.
3) We have long time residents who are willing to allow us to put them on camera, having them explain what downtown Albert Lea had been throughout the years.
4) We are also using photos and history we have researched about these buildings in the film. From buildings that are no longer there, to the ones that have been vacant for years, to the businesses that remain to the ones that are long gone.
5) Plenty of these buildings have levels in them where businesses just packed up and left, but left plenty of their remains to tell the stories that they hold. You will know what I mean when you see some of the photos in this post.

This post is just the beginning. It's really only to try to explain what this project is all about. With all the interviews, building explorations, photos and randomness this project will promise to produce all the other posts will become an interest in coming back to see the next post. As this project continues to captivate us. Enjoy the photos, and wish us luck. Because we got the money now, barely have the time, but luck will push this over the top. Hope all is well friends...... the next blog will describe the brutality of trying to submit a grant for state money. HAHAHA. and HAHAHA. What?! Yeah you'll know soon. Cheers.

 These two photos are above Christian and Peterson law offices. 

Still trying to find out what this saloon was called.

 Brick Furniture resides in the department store that started as the company on the next picture. This original billboard is hard to see from the street, but they were the original department store.

 Skinner was one of the first department stores in the country to have an escalator. 

This is located in a very familiar back alley downtown Albert Lea. Anybody have an idea where.

Keep checking back, trust me there is plenty more...........