So what if, the next time you plan on adding a new shop, you instead add an empty plot of land. Then, make that plot of land 'cost', for example, 10k of each wood log type, 10k of each mineral, 100k gralats, (and maybe throw in some crafting supplies like hammers, shovels, etc...).
Then players can come donate resources to the build. As resources get donated, the graphic of the empty plot changes and shows the building being built in stages. Once the materials requirement is met, the building is finished and becomes open to the public. Perhaps the top donators could get a special hat, or their name on the shop wall, or maybe a permanent discount in the shop.

I think this could be a cool way to bring the community together. I think it also fits the theme of Ol' West. (I remember seeing a movie where the whole town got together to help a farmer build a barn, before heavy machinery was invented)

Thoughts?  

:0.  

I like this idea a lot, this can be used as another form of community event. Just that materials are required for the construction instead of gralats.  

I don't even play Ol' West but this sounds like a great idea!  

Posted by iSin

10k of each wood log type

http://www.tremendoustraining.co.uk/communities/2/004/012/424/322/images/4609129583.png (Unsupported image host)  

Posted by Eto

http://www.tremendoustraining.co.uk/communities/2/004/012/424/322/images/4609129583.png (Unsupported image host)

Lol considering no one can mine crystal