Buying Economic Development

"Tuscumbia, an old railroad town about 120 miles northwest of Birmingham, has a population of 8,000. The shopping district consists of a main street and two intersections. Three years ago, when Mr. Robbins started his endeavors, it was hard to imagine anybody investing millions here. Tuscumbia fell into decline after the railroad closed in the 1940's. Highway 72 bypassed it. The movie theater and hotels closed. Nothing stayed open after dark... In refurbishing the town, Mr. Robbins is trying to build its future. And in the process he has become a local celebrity."