Some places along the thoroughfare that parallels the Alabama River still look like a dog&8217;s breakfast.

But some places have given hope.

We see activity.

Take, for instance, The St. James Hotel. Under the direction of Bill Ezell and his staff, this hotel has emerged as a destination as well as a place for weary tourists to rest.

That destination brings them to the heart of Water Avenue. Just down the street, Dianne Smitherman has constructed a patio addition to Major Grumbles, a eatery on the avenue.

Smitherman

seemed to hold the spirit of the street revitalization when she said one day if Water Avenue should improve, then she should help lead the way. The Grossmans have made their presence known with the Frame Shoppe. Now comes Arts Revive with the purchase of the Carneal building.

That&8217;s a lot of activity, a lot of hope for drawing more attention along Water Avenue.