Slowly strolling down Massachusetts Street in Lawrence, I realized this area is way more than just a place to hang out with friends, dine at a fun restaurant or shop for trendy clothing and specialty foods. Taking the time to look, really look, at the uniqueness of Mass Street with fresh eyes, I discovered some amazing attributes related to art, culture and heritage that I never before noticed.[[endteaser]] Here is a Top 10 list of surprising elements I found, in no particular order:
- A peaceful Japanese Friendship Garden honoring Lawrence’s sister city, Hiratsuka, Japan.
- The striking Watkins Community Museum of History, a classic example of Romanesque architecture.
- Artfully painted benches, stained glass windows, and wonderful architectural features inside another Romanesque structure, the Douglas County Courthouse.
- An amazing art gallery on the second floor of Signs of Life, a bookstore and coffee shop where a pianist was performing while I browsed.
- The remarkable work of Kansans Steve Coburn and Alan Brummell at the Phoenix Gallery.
- Bronze plaques marking the history of the buildings, such as the one on the House Building, the only structure to survive Quantrill’s Raid in 1863.
- Businesses with artistically painted entryways.
- A guitarist seated on the sidewalk sharing his love of music.
- Intricate iron work and stone work on the second level of the historic buildings.
- Several creative sculptures adorning the sidewalks.
Slow down and look, really look, at what’s around you in Lawrence or your own community. What did you discover that surprised you?
