The decision by Buckmasters Limited not to pursue relocation of the company to Montgomery's riverfront is a disappointment to those seeking to revitalize the downtown area. Buckmasters, a Montgomery-based deer hunting association, had been considering since February construction of a multilevel office complex and exposition area on property near Union Station. Downtown planners had seen the exposition space as a magnet to bring visitors to the downtown area. Although the decision is a setback, it should be only a temporary one.

It is far better for Buckmasters to decide now that the fit is just not right than for that realization to come only after both Buckmasters and the riverfront redevelopers had proceeded further. A project such as riverfront redevelopment requires patience. Lack of visible progress should not be mistaken for lack of effort. Months can pass with nothing appearing to be happening, and then pieces will fall into place.

Everyone involved agrees that the success of downtown revitalization will depend on drawing more visitors to the area. With Buckmasters having decided to stay put, it would be appropriate for the groups working to revitalize down town to look more seriously at a proposal to turn the remains of the Western Railway of Alabama car shops and engine terminal into a railroad museum.