Floors

One of my favorite areas in Downtown Olympia is this giant land of concrete across from the Bayview grocery store. It used to house two abandoned buildings, one being the old Health Department. I am fond of this place because of how open it is, I enjoy seeing 4th ave. from 5th ave. and vice versa. I was hoping they would add grass; when they first tore them down I was a little disappointed to see it was kept as a parking lot.

Upon closer inspection the parking spots that are there, were there when the buildings were up. It seems the places the buildings once were still contain the floors. Or partial flooring, with some asphalt thrown in. I find this unique and for that I have an appreciation for this.

I am not only fond of wide open spaces but of empty concrete islands. As if society has rejected its original rejection of nature. Because there is no grass, there are no people, and because there are no lines, there are no cars. I can sit here perfectly alone, on the weird tile floors; granted there are still cars and still people, just not a lot.

I like this area because it feels less claustrophobic than it did before. I can almost see the fresh area flowing between the streets; and sense the stress release from the earth. I like seeing the flooring from the old buildings, it is what is left behind of once was, but also hope of what will (and wont) be. I personally hope this place stays empty.