Downtown Streets example essay topic

PartnershipsBecause public and private interests in downtown are so inextricably entwined, it is essential that all interested parties work cooperatively to identify and achieve shared objectives. Both public and private investments shape the character of the downtown environment - in terms of how it looks and how it functions. Only if these investments are coordinated can maximum benefits be obtained. When the Center City Commission initiated a strategic plan in 1999, it was responding to the recognized need for a collaborative planning process that both articulated long-range directions for Downtown Memphis and identified short-range action steps to help reach those goals. Two years later, the results of that effort are impressive.

In addition to millions of dollars in private and public investment for capital projects, Downtown Memphis has managed to retain... Also significant is the steady improvement in public perceptions of Downtown as measured in the survey conducted by the Center City Commission. While the progress has been considerable, challenges remain, and new trends and influences pose both opportunities and threats to continued prosperity for Downtown Memphis. In light of this, the 2002 Strategic Plan Update planning process was initiated for the purpose of re-examining the issues and priorities established in 1999 Strategic Plan and developing an action plan for the next five to seven years. The process of preparing the Revised Strategic Plan and fulfilling the aforementioned goals was heavily staff driven; but a number of groups were involved in the refinement of the work product and the adoption of the recommendations. Public Meetings throughout the City were held to give downtown stakeholders (property owners, business owners, developers, residents) the opportunity to share their visions and to review the proposed goals of the Center City Commission.

In addition to the input from the public meetings, many interested citizens wrote letters to the Center City Commission and completed a survey that was placed on our website, web results -- -- The long-term goals for the development of the Central Business Improvement District reflect the public's value of some very basic items, such as safety, transportation, usability, and appearance. The goals also reinforce the public's appreciation of several major anchors within Downtown - the Riverfront, the Main Street Mall, center city neighborhoods, and cultural attractions-that make Memphis unique. A Thriving Central Business District Background on Economic Conditions... (information off of our Fact Sheets) HousingOfficeRetailQuality of LifeTourismSustaining Main Street Mall The single most important element in any downtown is its "Main Street", the street where retail activity should be concentrated. Downtown's economic strength depends on a concentrated mix of uses and activities which draw people in sufficient numbers to create a lively atmosphere. A quality place for people is a fundamental part of any successful downtown. In Downtown Memphis, improvements in the visual character, comfort, and convenience downtown's pedestrian environment will have a major influence in drawing increasing numbers of people to the area and in making it a more competitive business and investment location.

Streetscape Improvements Streetscape improvements which provide adequate and safe walkways, clear signage, and lighting are essential to encourage pedestrian activity and enhance the experience of being downtown. Continuous ground-level storefronts which add life and interest to the street are a critical component in a positive pedestrian environment. Image When downtown has a positive, recognizable identity, it will have special significance as a place and a strong, marketable image. This image can be built upon many characteristics -RiverfrontThe riverfront is perhaps the City's greatest - and most under-utilized - asset.

It has the potential to be... ResidentialThe vitality of a downtown rests in part on the round-the-clock presence of downtown residents. StreetscapeA well-designed street scape can be a major factor in creating a sense of identity for Downtown Memphis. Consistent use of lighting, benches, trash receptacle, etc. can create a unified street scape framework for downtown, as well as an inviting and comfortable pedestrian environment.

The implementation of the Streetscape Master Plan indicates the downtown streets which have heavy pedestrian traffic or which have the potential to be important pedestrian streets. Major street scape improvements are needed on all of these streets. Sub-Districts within the Central Business Improvement District For planning purposes the CBID was divided into four study areas, or sub-districts, that were analyzed individually at eh outset of the planning process. The four areas are: The Downtown Core - bounded by Auction Avenue on the north, Danny Thomas Boulevard on the east, Linden Avenue on the south and the state line on the west.

The South CBID - bounded by Linden Avenue on the north, Danny Thomas Boulevard on the east, the state line on the west, and Crump Boulevard on the south and including the French Fort, De Soto Park and the Ornamental Metal Museum. The North CBID -- bounded by Auction Avenue on the south, Danny Thomas Boulevard on the east, the state line on the west, and the Wolf River on the north. The Medical District -- bounded by Poplar Avenue on the north, Watkins Avenue on the east, Linden Avenue on the south, and Danny Thomas Boulevard on the west. The Downtown Core.

Autozone Park, home of the Memphis Redbirds baseball team. Peabody Place retail and entertainment center with 21 movie theaters and an I-Max theater. Gibson Guitar manufacturing plan, restaurant and Smithsonian Rock'n Soul exhibit. Riverfront development initiative. City, County, State and Federal offices.

Pyramid Arena. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The Pinch District. The Exchange District. Beale Street Entertainment District The South CBID. National Civil Rights Museum.

National Ornamental Metal Museum. Central Station. The main Post Office distribution facility. The Main Street trolley and Riverfront loop.

Tom Lee Park and other parks near or adjacent to the river (E.H. Crump Park, Ashburn-Cop pock Park, Martyr Park, De Soto Park). South Main Historic District The North CBID. Harbor Town residential developmentImageWhen downtown has a positive, recognizable identity, it will have special significance as a place and a strong, marketable image.