New Era. Can Springfield Fix what Ails it and Move forward?

[JagFan07]

Having operated Maxx's (now Ole) at the same time Stephen ran Boomtown,  I can completely agree with Stephen's statements. One of our biggest issues was not enough evening traffic. We were too far south of the "walkable" corridor and we could only turn so many tables at lunch.

[thelakelander]

Ann Arbor-Main Street


Pittsburgh-Strip District


Baltimore-Hampden


Tampa-Ybor City


Albany-Lark Street


Buffalo-Elmwood Village


Clustering, complementing uses in a compact setting.  If you look across the US, successful urban core revitalizing commercial districts typically have one ingredient in common.  That's the presence of building stock to house these uses.  If there were no historic building stock between 6th & 8th, that scene would not have happened.  This is one of the major reasons downtown's revival has taken so long.  All of those little buildings that could have housed lofts, galleries, retail, restaurants, clubs, etc. were deemed ugly and have been bulldozed for parking lots and speculation of what could replace them decades into the future.  Imo, more reason to save as much of the historic fabric as possible.


Its hard to get to those type of scenes above when you're in love with bulldozers.

Having operated Maxx's (now Ole) at the same time Stephen ran Boomtown,  I can completely agree with Stephen's statements. One of our biggest issues was not enough evening traffic. We were too far south of the "walkable" corridor and we could only turn so many tables at lunch.

Great example of the struggles a business can take when their location is too isolated for synergy to take place.

[buckethead]

As well as a good illustration of how demolition hurts the effort. To grow a new marketplace, new construction is necessary to cluster businesses together. Anchor centers already know this. It is ancient wisdom.

Why demolish our history to replace it with a glorified strip mall that will be out of fashion in 10 years? (the blink of an eye)

[sheclown]

Well, we certainly can stop the bulldozers, Lake.  We just need to get organized and do it.  It starts with ANYONE WHO SPOTS A GREEN TAG ON A HOUSE OR BUILDING, post it here.

[CS Foltz]

Kids I don't travel much in that part of town but when I do I will keep an eye open for that green tag! I can understand just how having those types of buildings can lead to a revitalization.....many many options but the bldgs have to be there first!