Anyway, like my friend Ezra P. says, the upper crust is just a bunch of crumbs held together by a wad of dough.

No one needs the most well-to-do making downtown too expensive for the rest of us. It's a fine line between rescuing something from the dead and making it too upscale and hard to enjoy for the mid-middle class.

Why not sound the alarm and go directly to the source, (dictionary in hand) and alert Mr. Assemi to what "Vagabond" really means! Tell him that people think his development is a homeless shelter! Or better yet, tell the people moving in, and ask them if they knew they were moving into a housing development for vagrants, and if so why? Or maybe ask if they care. Reza's (personal) website is http://www.rezaassemi.com/

But if this project is a success, what does this mean for your theory that people take the name of a development literally? It's already off to a good start, but perhaps those people just aren't informed, or skipped the elementary school vocabulary lesson the day "vagabond" came up. Or maybe they know that the name in some uses can have a negative connotation, but don't care very much.

Perhaps we need to educate people more about the names of housing developments. There are no horses, running or not, on the golf course on "Running Horse." Perhaps people moving into McCaffery's "Trevsio" development actually think they're buying land in Northern Italy, not north Fresno? I think no more people will be scared away from "vagabond" than will think the developments above are actually what their names literally mean.

No, no, I meant if you come to my house you'll find plenty of objections regarding the name chosen for the project. I treat my children and husband like diamonds, no abuse here. And don't fear, I don't have any pets, Lol

Re: 'someone who is involved with the project.'

I'm not sure if you're familiar with how the site works, but if you send a private message to 'Jarah,' (the site steward,) She probably knows how to contact the folks who did Vagabond Lofts,
(they also did 'the Pearl Building,' -which (was/is,) one of the places that Fresno Famous is formed.)
-She's quite nice, and might be able to get that information for you.

Your opinnion has a definite right to be heard.
(I would hope 'being done here,' was only referring to the subject at hand, your writing is good, and your views are quite welcome.
I'd not stop writing on the account of encountering a different view. (-You'd be depriving others of your views, and no longer expressing them, which would be doubly unfortunate.)

And, um, truth be told?
-If I was invited to your house, I'd be thankful for the invite, and polite, I'd appreciate that you've asked me to your house.
I'd respect the fact that it is where you live, (not me, you,) and that you're comfortable there, as are your family,
I'd be really happy for you all that you have a house that you like, and enjoy.

How you chose to decorate, maintain it, what you chose to cook, what you did to entertain, and what you named it, -all would be up to you, and I'd respect that.

The only thing that I'd find 'objectionable,' (I can think, ever, in anyone's house,) would be if I was invited in, and witnessed verbal, emotional, or physical abuse of a child, the elderly, (any person, basically,) or an animal.
-(or)
a dangerous situation structurally, (such as to doctorfriends of mine, who have a stunning place,---but have these lightswitches that are overloading and may just burn the house down.)

-Even then, respecting that this was your house, I'd try to convey it in a way that was not critical of your personal dwelling-family-life, etc, and try to help you with it, so that you'd enjoy your house and your life and loved ones even more.

Maybe that could be considered 'Live and Let Live,' as well.

I had promised myself to stop writing, but I must respond to your comments and questions.

I don't need to see Grease, I've seen it and I get it. I am a female, a wife and mother.

Ironically, I felt I was doing the same thing as a friend would let the other know they had a run on their stocking, by alerting them to the meaning of Vagabond. As if maybe they hadn't stopped to look up the definition first.

No, I'm not devoted or live to proclaim what i don't approve of or tell people how they should live and act. I live and let live. But if I see something that i think would be for the better of that person or all involved, I will most probably, respectfully say something. I proudly and happily want the best for everyone. If I see how something could work better, more productively, better for someone, I will not hesitate to say something. I've been responsible for changes in my kid's schools, I've made recommenations to CAltrans for the safety of all and they've made changes. I'm not someone who's out to change the world to suit me. Nor am I someone who's going to stand by and watch someone make a mistake or get hurt if I stay quiet just to let them be.

Just because you don't know anyone who has a problem with the name doesn't mean there aren't people that do. You and your acquaintances just come from a different culture. If you come to my house you'll find plenty of objections. My kids who are in their 20s, husband and I found out about this project at the same time and we all had the same reaction. But you know, I'm not trying to change YOUR mind, that's your prerogative. I was actually trying to reach someone who has a stake in that venture and who would care what others thought.

With this i bid you farewell..

I'd direct your attention to the above posts (by others,) that point out such things as 'fish market districts,' 'meat packing districts,' 'garment districts,' etc.

Maybe it would help if you understood the whole yin-yang thing.

Rent the film Grease.
(Better yet, ask any girl what the deal is with it.)
For the life of me, I couldn't figure it out, until a friend of mine, one day over coffee just blurted it out, 'good girl, bad boy, that's the attraction, it's eternal.'

To go into the whole dynamic of why people who live in 'Truman Show,' worlds are increasingly drawn to the gritty side would take days, and bore the heck out of folks.

It's as simple as a squeaky clean CEO buying a heritage softail, black leathers, and getting a tatto just above the shirt cuff... ('ooo, I'm a Biker, I'm a Biker, really really, I ammmmmmm.' -when they can't even figure out how to adjust the belts or chain, and can't even pick it up if it falls over... Born to be Wild, ahuh...)

I can only guess as to why they didn't pick some 'happy clean fresh name, that spoke of enlightenment.'
-to avoid the falshood of such a thing?

Maybe because folks today tend to find enlightenment by embracing and working with reality and what is really there, (which includes history,) -rather than to deny it.

Though I've not put in as many miles and hours as most Fresnans, Downtown is a bit of a funny place.
It likes it's old shoes, --and it's new ones too.
It has a right to dress however it wants, and you have a right to point and laugh, --and then the right to look away and stick to your own knitting.

Read other stuff on this site, 'authenticity,' is a big thing among the Tower and Downtown crowds.
They are fans of the genuine and appreciate the beauty of old.
They get it.

The lofts, if I understand the builders correctly (from interviews,) were meant to attract artists and working creatives, --as well as average joes, (and janes,) ---but clearly is meant to be a creative space as well as just a dwelling.
The creatives around here are hell on wheels with found stuff.

I find some fantasy things at ArtHop and such,, but I find so much more stunning portraits of normal people being beautiful in such places as the chicken pie shop.
Not a whole lot of denial, more '...this piece of rusty metal is quite beautiful, actually.'

Making it all new would be RiverPark and such.

Nothing wrong with Riverpark, it's nice and all, but there is a different feel for downtown and the Tower, (not the same places, mind you,)
-and you can find people getting quite defensive about their stomping grounds.
-One man's Fulton Mall is another man's cement ghosttown.

I wouldn't call it quibbling.
-but I don't mind going after a greater thing that I see happening.

The comment '...okay, so go build your own and call it what you want.' Is far from asanine.
-It really is what may just save downtown and Fresno from itself.

While some folks are standing there, all bent out of shape over a name for a tremendous new project, (unheard of in other areas, --these developers are exceptionally young,)
-others are getting down to business and actually doing something, building things from abandoned shells, -and doing a pretty good job.

I'll not write more essays at this time about the critical mindedness of Fresno,
--but believe me, it's known far and wide. (Like, how about even in remote areas of NY State wide, as in '...you're going to move WHERE, oh man, you'll see how it is, you'll see...)
Self-defeating self-hatred, and the inability to do anything besides be embittered at others is a strong valley drug, --and there are a lot of addicts.

What will happen is, the critical and damning, will grow old.
Hopefully there will be younger and more open and understanding souls to take care of them,
-but they will grow old, and go the way of all good things.
-Hopefully they'll take their sour mindset with them.

(would this be an attack on you personally?
No, not at all.
You probably are (sincerely,) a lovely person.
--but I dare say that your stance preceeds you, and is worn by so many others.)

I would mean this in the same way that someone who would be your friend would tell you of something hanging from your nose,
--or even a total stranger standing next to you in a subway somwhere...

-These folks do something really cool, -and your hue and cry is over what?

Imagine everyone thinking and acting that way...
I mean, you disliking the name is completely your right.
But, really, you can just as easily decide not to look at it, can't you?
And, you're right, your building another building and calling it what you want won't change the name of Vagabond Lofts.
-but It will put up another cool building, and further bring life downtown...
(but what you see is that there's a name that you don't like.)
-So the effort and focus is on disliking somethings name, rather than creating something positive...
-And that, my friend, is what I hear from everyone I've ever met from here,
--be it on the other end of the country, or from within the town...
--Thank God it's changing.

I'll leave it with this one question.
It's a basic Seminary question, but it holds relevance.

-Are you (meaning anyone, actually,) devoted and live to proclaim what you don't approve of, and to tell folks how they should live and act?
-or are you simply yourself, working with your own gifts, applauding the efforts of others, seeing the good, and making a difference?

If anything is 'old Fresno,' and deserving to be left by the side of road somewhere, it's that mentality.
Nobody I know anywhere else has a problem with Vagabond Lofts as a name,, but they will tell you how critical this place is... think about it.

I'm pretty darn sure it was named after the somewhat famous Vagabond Motel that was on that same property. In fact i'm exactly darn sure.

YES you and I come from two different worlds. By the way I'm not squabbling as much as you are, you'd think you were financing the complex with your children's college fund the way you're defending the name. I have simply expressed my opinion of the name and backed it up with factual links to online dictionaries. You have chosen to fight the meaning and given it your own spin on it, why? I wouldn't know.

No, the fact that this project is being built in the first place is not being avoided, it's just not the topic at the moment. It's my concern of the name that we're talking about. It's like buying a whole new outfit but wearing old worn out shoes with it. It's a poor choice.

I am in my late forties and I would of expected these young people to come up with a clean and enlightening name for something thats supposed to be rebulding that part of town, leaving the past behind since it wasn't a pretty past.

Correction, I'm not upset about it, just expressing my concern.

That wasn't a snotty remark, but an asinine thing to say. Stop to think about it, if I build a similar building and name it what I want, will the name of that complex (Vagabond Lofts) go away? ofcourse not, so what's the point?

Concorde? the jet or the car? If either is loud and smells, i don't want it. I couldn't care less about the jet's color but I do hate white cars so I would prefer to chose a different color. We are different, aren't we?

no, far from being the owner of the lofts.
no, did not choose the name.

yes, understand the meaning of various words, ('vagrant' is closer to your definition of 'vagabond,' in the above post,) and (again, yes,) understand why the name was kept,

-already laid out the reasonings behind the cultural tie-ins, and how vagabond fits quite well.

-That there was a significant skateboarding pool, (which is also a counter-culture icon,) plays into it as well.
(I'm prejudiced, I'm a former speedboarder back when the sport was making it's second come back in the early seventies.)

Keep in mind,
What that area 'was,' (it's image, etc.) -what became of it, how it went down, and how it is now coming back up,
-all are to be seen in the context of the eras.

Vagabond meant something different when the orig. site was there, (the area had not gone down, and had a bohemian-travel 'ring,' to it.)
You could have just as easily found a 'Vagabond,' parked in the showroom next to a 'Country Squire.'

It went through significant changes, died and now is coming back.

The people sticking with the name, are looking at the whole history,
-as well as what they are dealing with to bring it back.

Consider this:
'Haight Ashbury' (sp?)

To some: nothing.
To others -the epitome of drug culture.
To others -the origins of the peace movement.
-still more? dirty smelly pot smokers who engage in immoral activity, and avoid serving their country...
To others it takes on the same significance as Mecca.

-Frame this with: a whole movement, heavy in illegal drug use, (most with bad outcomes clinically for the people involved,)
STILL does not erase that which is viewed in a positive light by otherwise sane people.
-You cannot take the significance away, no matter how much you change the neighborhood, or street names.
The Negative doesn't matter.
It's history and it means something to folks.

I think the people of Vagabond recognize that importantce.

Further:
It has an edge, -because of it's history.
You are dealing with developers, tennants, and a whole genre of people who are
A.) not only heavily influenced by present culture, music, films, literature, and world events.
but
B.) have been raised on very different, -and at times disturbing imagery and dialogue. (It doesn't mean that they are into such things, it means they use phrases and images that may be vulgar, violent, deviant, -and not think twice.)

Consider 'Pulp Fiction,'
How would it be received in the Sixties, Seventies, Eighties, (etc. etc.) ---and how it's almost 'quaint,' today.

Culture changes like that.

This is a younger culture, and they are rebuilding that part of town, completely aware and not blinking as to history and meanings, --as THEY choose to see it.
They built it, they can name it, and the name works well.

Not to be snotty, but if it upsets you so much, I would really recommend building something similar and calling it whatever you want.

What is being avoided by all the quibbling over the name is:

-a bunch of (kids) put together something that works, and is a major step in bringing people with money, creativity and futures into an area that is mostly barren.
-and you're freaking over the name?

That's like looking at the Concorde and saying, 'it's loud, it smells and do you have it in any color other than white???'

Ok wait a minute, I think my whole point has been lost here. This has nothing to do with the homeless. All I am proposing is for someone to consider changing the name, regardless of wether there is a need for low income housing, regardless of wether there was an abandonned "Vagabond Motel" there before with some world famous empty pool for rollerskating and regardless of wether there are homeless people in the area, where one can hear gun shots every once in a while or wether you will find people with alcohol breath walking down the street. It's just a poor name period. It reminds me of a story i read in the Reader's Digest once, where a young man decides to volunteer at a soup kitchen and is asked to make some signs to inform the city's homeless that there will be a Thanksgiving dinner served to them on such day at such time. The young man enthusiastically shops for the poster board and markers and goes home to begin the signs. The next day he proudly presents them to the supervisor. He looks at the young man and tells him they won't do because they shouldn't look so neat and clean. He suggested he put smudges on the paper so the homeless people would know they were meant for them.

It sounds like we come from two different worlds. Where I come from a Vagabond is a homeless, wanderer, hopeless, good for nothing individual who leads an irresponsible life. Please check this site http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vagabond_%28person%29. I was very surprised by what you previously described as your vision when you hear "Vagabond". I can't even find the words to express how far from Romantic Vagabond actually is. I think you may have "Vagabond" mistaken with "Bohemian" because a "Bohemian" as defined in the dictionary and Wikipedia is a person with artistic or literary interest who lives and acts with no regard for conventional rules of behavior, free spirit, free thinker.

That was my post where I listed the 20% low income and 80% market value after reading the newspaper. Market Value is market value, it's not cheap.

Just one question, Are you the owner of this complex and/or did you choose the name?

I wouldn't take it as a correction.
Your opinnion is as welcome as anyones, and your views are important.

-Will there be lower income aspects to it? (I believe there is an above quote at 20percent, with 80percent at current rate, (not sure regarding where that falls income wise.)

Will homeless people be living there? I have no idea.

As far as the 'Vagabond,' aspect of the area, (going after the 'spirit and history,' of the area THAT, is what I was referring to.

I think the other writer's point about the difference between 'vagabond,' and 'vagrant,' is important.

Now, does this housing complex address the homeless issue of Fresno?
I don't really think it does, (other than it is creating usable and desirable living space in what is now not seen by all as such.)
-A lower income person is not the same as a homeless person, (but it's scarey how easy it is to cross that line.)

There is a separate issue, that I think people are mixing together, here.
They look at the homeless, think: 'vagrant.'
They then look at the word 'vagabond,' and think that it's associated with vagrancey...

I think that it's called 'Vagabond,' has been for all of these other reasons, -that there are homeless around that area, or in downtown, plays out as more of a coincidence.

I think, in this case, choosing a name that in no way could be associated with an 'in the breeze,' sort of mindset, -would be bowing to one negative association -and denying all of the historic and significant reasons, (listed above.)

A subject for a second string, perhaps would be a sincere question:

-Though it's great that Downtown will be 'revitalized,' (and this is the start,)

-What happens to the homeless people?

(Luke posted a rather chilling article how, not long ago, people who were living in tents and the like, had all of their stuff, (sometimes documentation and meds included,) rounded up and stuffed into the back of garbage trucks.

People who are living in mid to upscale housing, may feel awkward about a bunch of homeless people around.
Unfortunately, the homeless can have significant health, mental health, and maladpative behavior issues -that are exascerbated by being homeless.
In a town of 500,000 -there is (what) 1? shelter, (thinking of Pavorello House.)

-and the area that is about to be 'reclaimed,' from being desolation blvd., -will see the homeless drummed out.

I don't see 'Vagabond,' as a culprit.
I don't see second generation 'yuppies,' as a culprit.

I'm glad that there is a trend to reclaim the area, (not from the homeless, -but from being vacant and from being a sort of 'no mans land.') -big difference in terms of how the homeless are viewed.

But for a city of this size, to have such limited and puny homeless services, -as well as such limited care provided for the crushingly poor, 'Rebuilding,' any area that they are in,
-without stepping up services for them, speaks a loud and clear message.
'We don't want you here... at all.'

Vagabond is doing a good thing, any builder in that area that is trying to bring life and social and financial health back into the area is doing a good thing.

The question is: will the city do a good thing by her homeless, or just shovel them off into the canal, like carrion.

I see, so what you're telling me is that it's named after the type of people that will be living there. You say: "it pays respect to those who regrettably don't have housing, not as a point of ridicule but of recognition". Holy cow!

Though I don't have a thesaurus sitting right in front of me, (okay, correct that, it is, but it's under a hardware catalog,)

When I hear 'Vagabond,'
I think of an Americanized verison of a nomadic dweller, one who is on the move, possibly living in a somewhat arid climate, dust somewhere, is quite casual, and would be closer to the term 'gypsy.'
Someone who you'd find in an 'araby.'
-Wanna go religious? 'Habauri' or 'Habirem', (which became 'Hebrew,')
-and also would be close to Magi (the three wise men, who looked to the stars and came from distant cultures across the desert.)

-It's not really 'hobo,'(which would be more of an aimless wanderer,)
-but is more in line with the spirit of someone who is travelling, on a pilgramage, journey, or 'walkabout,' and is not particularlly wrapped up in worldy posessions.
A vagabond is greatly benefitting from their experience of travel, and often shares their wisdom with others.
It speaks of vulnerability, but also openness.
A vagabond is often a 'sage.'

-It is not 'jet-set.'
It is anything but that, (though 'jet-setters,' tend to feign being a vagabond, but it usually amounts to little more than a pair of beach thongs, a straw hat, and an old cruiser bike.)
-Though an upper class person, just wandering on the weekend in an old Volvo or unrestored MG would qualify as being 'vagabond.'

It's Kerouac, it's Steinbeck, maybe even Hemmingway,,(without the guns,) or the narrator in 'Great Gatsby.'
It would tie with phrases, creating 'Vagabond Spirit, or 'Vagabond Soul.'

The location of downtown:
trains running through it, (reminiscent of 'boxcar willies,')
Surrounding in 'gypsy,''bohemain,' 'and folk artist vibes would certainly epitomize the eclectic mix of arts, business, and having been elsewhere that I find.

-A vagabond would not particularlly wind up in the Hamptons, (unless they were painting names on boats,) -and they often get in these deep discussions with unwinding CEO's (or their wives,) about 'the meaning of it all.'
They're sort of unadvertised shamans.

-You could find them in a kabbutz, or working away in a soup kitchen somewhere, perhaps as part of a relief effort in a war-torn country like Chechnya.

-Are they part of recognized society? Upper Crust? Straighlaced and rigid?
No,
-but those folks often go somewhere and 'go native,' just to escape the stiff collar mindset... Vagabond is relaxing.

It's not negative.
Who ever thinks it's negative and demeaning simply does not understand the word, nor it's spirit.

We all have 'vagabond,' in us.
Show me someone from the great NE of Fresno who lives the good life, and I'll show you someone who wants to occasionally go on vacation, let the beard and leg hairs grow in a bit, and make out like a couple of desert jackrabbits on a deserted beach in a third world, (excuse me,) 'exotic, rustic, and undiscovered,' island somewhere.
-These people have Grateful Dead CD's, maybe even 'the Ramones,' in their station wagon, --and just might sleep in the nude, and if you catch them at the right time, you may see that tattoo that usually goes hiding during daylight hours...
(gasp, horrors, quick, call the preacher, call the police, don't let Buffy and Tad find that one out...)

It doesn't even come across as 'tongue in cheek,' --as the surrounding community could be modern dwellers who've taken an industrialized and abandoned place, -and made it into a combination oasis and bazaar.

It even pays it's respects to those who, regrettably, don't have housing, or who happen to live in that area, -not as a point of ridicule, but more as a recognition. They all live there, regardlss of station, and all interract.

-It's quite rich in heritage.
I'm surprised that anyone from here, comprised of people who've come to work, build and create lives and dreams by hardwork, -manifest destiny away from the badlands, and all,(Grapes of Wrath anyone ---helloooo?)
-how this common culture and drive, that define all heavy hitters of this society, Okies, Armenians, Hmong, Mexicans, Native Americans, other Asians, (few of which drove here in RollsRoyce,)
-would mind being recognized for their effort and not want to be celebrated.

The name genuine, and real.
It's not 'Nostalgia,' (which is glamorizing the past and making it some sort of bleached and safe fairy tale.)
-Don't fall for this 'white hat cowboy, horses that smell like freshly mown hay, and everybody's a baptist' view of history.
-You want real and genuine, well, you're going to hear gunfire, somebody's gonna have whiskey on their breath, and there's going to be a whorehouse around the corner,
-and someone like Louis Armstrong learning his chops on the piano within... That's life, bubba.

'Vagabond' is romantic, and honest.
Downtown Fresno, if she is dancing with you in a D.A.V. vintage dress, -and has chosen to do so barefoot shines the more beautiful, for her spirit, strength, sincerity, and the honesty of her person...
She's not storebought and 'putting on airs.'

-These young dreamers, the builder-designers, many whom are boomerangs,
-are not allowed to name their efforts, and past, while creating a new future one dusty warehouse after another?

If none of this washes with those who are pissing and moaning about the name choice, well, I don't think anyone is standing in their way from ponying up the dough, buying something and calling it what they wish.

I think 'Vagabond' is a wise choice.

It is a valid comparison. You're talking about the negative implications of names in urban contexts. The Meatpacking District wasn't always as desirable a location as it is now. It's usually the gritty urban areas that almost overnight become the cool, trendy places to be, in large cities. Names don't keep people away, not in terms of revitalization. What matters is the product. And in this case, I don't think the name is hurting the development. Also, the type of person who would consider such a development, I would venture to guess, would have less of a problem with the name, than say, the typical family looking to buy a McMansion in a development with a faux suburban name. That family isn't going to move into a "meat packing district" or a "loft" of any kind, but that very "gritty" name might have some appeal for a different demographic.

You seem to think us "small minded" Fresnans (being uneducated and such) don't know what vagabond means. (again, insulting anyone who sees the issue differently) We see your point, but think it is superficial at best. Actions, not words, change people's minds. People are moving in right now, and I don't think they were scared off by the name. The name of the development has an historical reference, is authentic, and isn't something to be ashamed of. Vagabond has a more "romantic" quality to it than just "homeless". It could be a person who just doesn't settle down, is out to see the world, can't stay in one place to long. Now, Vagrant Lofts - I could see would be a poor name, as it has a much more negative connotation. But I think you're making a big deal out of a very small problem.

There is no comparison, you're missing the point, The Meatpacking District is a wholesale market area, including a meatpacking house. Who cares about them anyway, NY doesn't have a problem, they are prosperous already. In Fresno people are trying to change the negative perception of the downtown area. The Fresno apartment complex is not a homeless shelter, if it was would you call it "Vagabond lofts". There is no dignity there.

If it seems we're getting worked up it's because it's frustrating that it doesn't seem people here can open their minds to realize what Vagabond implies. Am I and a couple other people on here the only ones that see this? People like you even sound offended and think we're trying to make it sound prestigious. Yet you think we have small minds?? please! I've never once said it should have a more prestigious name by the way. Why is wanting Fresno to better a bad thing? If downtown Fresno is to be changed to get rid of people's negative views and attract new companies, more business and to make people feel more prosperous, then the names of new buildings should NOT reflect poverty.

The "small minded" people are the ones who are getting so worked up about the name "Vagabond" as not being prestigious enough for their "upper crust" lifestyles. NYC's "Meatpacking District" is hardly an "upper crust" name. But I don't hear anyone calling for it to be renamed "Briarwood Park".
http://www.meatpacking-district.com/

Just thought I'd share that I am originally from So.Cal. and been living here for over 10 yrs. I love Fresno and wished people (Jay Leno included) from other parts would come visit so they could interact with the nice people who live here and see how nice it is and stop putting it down. Today as I talked to a friend on the phone who still resides in So. Cal., about how i've been trying to get people to realize that "Vagabond Lofts" is the wrong name to give that building. She said, "Don't waste your time, they are small minded people who've been living in a fish bowl, they can't see the big picture!"

How sad...

Jarah, I am aware of the old abandonned motel, I've seen photos in fact and it was an eye sore, why would anyone want to remember that? I was not aware that this building had been built to directly replace the old Vagabond motel. According to : Merriam Websters.com: Authentic; faithful imitation of an original made or done the same way as the original. In Dictionary.com thesaurus: bonafide, genuine, real.

There are "Vagabond Inns" throughout California and Nevada. For a motel, it works because when people are traveling they need a place to stay temporarily (as if they are "homeless"). But the "Vagabond Lofts" are apartments for long term residence. Only 20% will be for low income tenants, but the name implies that it's all for low income tenants. The other 80% are at market rate. I personally would never consider renting an apartment in a building named "Vagabond Lofts". No matter what, it's a poor name secondly because of the fact that this project was supposed to be a way to refresh downtown Fresno and help it become an attractive, modern and prosperous area. I see it as a missed opportunity to bring something new and fresh to the city.

I've put more time into this than I can spare. I heard back from Henry Perea back in June and he said he could see my point but it was out of his hands. So if the tenants are ok with the name of the place they reside in, I have nothing more to say.

"Vagabond" was probably the most "authentic" name that could have been chosen. If you're not aware, the site was previously the home of the abandonned Vagabond Motel and a swimming pool that was world-famous among skateboarders. Keeping the name is a nod to what was there before.

If i understand your comment correctly, you think that names like Foxwood Estates or other artificial names are unauthentic? so you think "Vagabond lofts" is authentic? what a sad frame of mind! you should go to a homeless shelter or the police station and you'll hear the word "vagabond" right and left. By the way what's unauthentic about Foxwood Estates?

There are hundreds of authentic names they could of chosen. Simply "The Lofts" would have been better.

or some other artifical name that housing developments usually get. Talk about unauthentic.

I have to agree with the opinion of the Famous Guest who does not feel the name of the Lofts is good for Fresno's goal to change our image downtown. Surely these young intelligent developers can see that their creative inspired goals could adopt a much more desireable representation of "luxury lofts" than Vagabond. However, as a board member of Creative Fresno, we are having our Blender there this Friday! Hope to see you there! We are happy to support such great manifestations!

My fiance soon to be husband....(20 days) are already trying to work this housing into our plan...we want to live downtown hopefully these will be done right around the time we are ready to buy something of our own...Bravo...these are the people who are going to change downtown...they are doing something not talking about it...

very excited about the new downtown Fresno.
hope for years to see this happen. and hope
to live there.

Comment is in the subject line. Take it from there. In my experience with him, no one is perfect. Credit given where credit is due; some of us have given a lot an recieve no credit for the effort.

The one person who is willing to put some of his or her own captial into doing what others only talk about in terms of Downtown housing gets ripped by a self appointed architectural critic, who apparently thinks that an adandonded concrete block motel building is apparently this century's version of the old Fresno County Courthouse saga. You're talking about saving old brick warehouses. Last I checked, Reza has done that very thing, at a time when no one else has, and hasn't torn any down! In fact, if you go back and check during the whole "Broadway Row" thing with the Tutelians, Reza was the one standing against the plans to tear down a bunch of old warehouses. Maybe he doesn't like old swimming pools, (or maybe his insurance company doesn't like em) but I think he likes warehouses. No developer should be exempt from following the rules of the redevelopment process and general city review, but no one has advocated that.

This site and some city councilmen (Henery T. Perea) seem to feel that Reza Assemi is the savior to downtown. I had similar beliefs after his first two successful projects, the Pearl Building and Broadway Studios, but after watching the Vagabond Lofts go up, I have come to question this developer. He tore down something that used to bring people from around the world (the pool), and put up something that is very bland (be honest with yourself, it is actually quite ugly). While I have never been a skate boarder, I felt the pool had too much potential for a developer to come in and take it away. Because of his current project, the city of Fresno should not let him do whatever he wants to our downtown.

Alex, to clarify, Reza's two completed downtown projects to date have both been rehabs of old warehouses. Broadway Studios is open every ArtHop and is a refurbished warehouse. Remember, there haven't been any specific plans announced.

I am a strong supporter of a redevoped downtown and I get so excited when I hear or see any kind progress. But I cannot help but feel pecimistic about what three young "developers" have in store for us. As far as I can see, there are no plans to restore any of the beautiful old brick warehouses in the projected area. What I do know is that Reza Assemi likes to tare down buildings and build wood-framed structures finished with stucco (a granville home), which can be found in north Fresno and any other strip mall/gated community around the country. These developers should take advantage of what downtown has to offer, because these buildings help make Fresno unique.

If this project is to revitalize the downtown area, why call it something that sounds like its going to be a homeless shelter? Do these people not know what a "vagabond" is? It doesn't matter wether there was something there many moons ago that had the vagabond name. Why do they need to honor it? My friends and I heard about it and feel it gives a negative view of this project. Why would anyone want to live anywhere that is called "vagabond lofts"? It's certainly not going to attract the upper crust of society.

If anyone can make Downtown Life happen, it's these 3! Kudos to Henry T. also for blazing the trail, and to the Dynamic Trio for stepping forward with vision and energy! For many people, the term "ethical developer" is an oxymoron, but,that's definitely not the case with these guys-we can count on them to LISTEN and actually get something accomplished, and provide places that are livable and inviting. While they're at it, they could take some steps to preserve what's left of the historic buildings in the area as well. If these 3 build it, they WILL come--all the way downtown.

I am very excited to hear about the proposal. While an official timeline has yet to be established, the unofficial 5-year timeframe is very hopeful. Fresno needs this type of vision. The Bee ran a story about a Sac-Town developer who is beginning construction on a $500 million condo project near the Capitol. Fresno must keep pace with other nearby cities. While the proposal on the table isn't as ambitious as the Sacramento project, it is still a big risk with an opportunity for a big reward.

Besides, who wouldn't want to live in a place built by "Mr. Personality" himself (referring to Will Dyck's 15 minutes of reality show fame).

Sign me up for a nice uptown tri-level.