Neighbors gather at the Space 12 Community Center.

It's a space where the community gathers on East 12th Street.

And, on National Night Out, neighbors got together there to meet and mingle.

But, that wasn't always the case.

It's a scene that's very different from a little more than a year ago.

What once was Chester's Night Club, now is called the Space 12 Community Center.

Some say it's a stronghold for community growth.

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	Space 12 The community center replaces the building where Chester's Night Club once existed.

"It's amazing how it's all come together," neighbor John Bagwell said. "It's amazing to look back to where we were a year ago, reconstructing a night club, if you will."

Others are relieved by the positive changes.

"We don't have the blaring loud music all hours of the night, debris, litter dispersed … it's just a totally different environment," neighbor Chris Johnson said.

In June 2008, the building was the scene of chaos, when Austin police shot Kevin Brown. Before that, neighbors complained of the loud noise, drunken behavior and crime.

Now, on National Night Out, the neighborhood showcases the community center, but remembrances of the past are hard to overcome.

"I was thinking about how it was with Chester's here," neighbor Maxine Jackson said. "Then, I had this eerie feeling – like what am I going to see when I walk in? – and I was quite surprised."

	It’s a scene that’s very different from a little more than a year ago.

Many neighbors agree the area has changed for the better and could be an example for other areas.

"This is something that can easily be overcome, with the education they're putting out, the tools, the information, and I think it's very viable," Johnson said.