[Dick]

Hey Kevin,
That looks like abiotic damage, although it looks like there is some pitch on the stem which is indicative of root rot. The pitch might just be from the pruning.

Given that the tree is surrounded by pavement it could be salt damage...assuming they salt the roads there. Compound that with a perimeter of gypsum gravel (I think) and you could have overly alkaline soils. Conifers tend to prefer more acid soils (<7.0). A cheap soil testing kit (any garden store) would answer that question.
Sprinkling some elemental sulphur (annually) will form sulphuric acid and reduce the pH, but you’ll have to keep checking the pH so you’ll know when to stop. They may have other suggestions at the local garden center.

There may be a soil drainage issue, but spruce usually don’t mind wet feet.

Your other option would be to whack it and plant a more alkaline tolerant specie (most hardwoods-I think).

You may want to check out this site too, as you can check stuff that I can’t see in the pictures.
Diseases of Spruce Trees in Minnesota - University of Minnesota Extension

[kevin]

thanks for your followup dick, I appreciate your time and effort answering on this one!

[Dick]

My pleasure.