Best Addition to the Crossroads

We doubt there'd be any talk of downtown revitalization if artists hadn't resettled the Crossroads District first, making it cool and drawing pilgrims from the far reaches of the metro on the first Friday of every month. And whereas most of City Hall's politicians and the town's big-business types continue to focus on massive, publicly funded redevelopment projects in hopes of luring chain retailers, restaurateurs and entertainment zones to the downtown loop, the Crossroads continues to grow organically, one small local business at a time. Many intriguing shops opened over the past year to supplement the gallery scene, but Coffee Girls fulfilled a crucial need, providing a space for people to gather and just hang out. Robin Krause and Melissa VanGoethem spent months rehabbing the empty space to create a gorgeous, open and inviting java stop where visitors from all over town, of all ages, occupations and persuasions, soak up some caffeine, load up on healthy sandwiches and smoothies, and just spend some time basking in the neighborhood's cool energy.