DIG Weekly Update

DIG Weekly Update

Week of 3.26.07

Debates heat up again-

Councilmen are expected to give presentations on Harrison Square tonight based on their own research.

Restoration at Old Schmitz Block continues-

An article on the DID website highlights the restoration process and history of Old Schmitz Block downtown.

DIG's downtown Food For Thought-

Ever since a new Starbucks has opened its doors downtown, we've been seeing quite a few younger faces downtown, as well as some older. Could we use this as an example for the future of downtown? Youth today are more and more turning towards concert halls, coffee shops, and sports venues for entertainment. This is evident in the Fort, when the first Starbucks opened- we weren't all too fond of it. But we knew what coffee shops were, and we knew we liked them. Look at us today, we've got over 9 Starbucks locations in the city, and more opening up soon! And its not just Starbucks. Theres Aspen, Firefly, Higher Grounds, all meeting success.

Viewing from the concert point, concerts are becoming a widespread activity of choice by many youths across the country. Not only major concerts, but smaller shows as well. Of course, these smaller bands, and larger alike, need a stage to perform on. So now we're starting to see smaller youth-oriented clubs, as well as all-ages sports/concert venues geared towards providing satisfying entertainment for all ages, youth and adult both.

Harrison Square could provide all of this, and more. The addition of a downtown ballpark would create another possibility for a concert venue, but also provide quality sports entertainment. Mixed-use developement could lead to the construction of a coffee shop or two, and youth-oriented clubs/entertainment venues. So while providing many options for youth entertainment downtown, it would also likely satisfy many adults as well.

Question: What is your reaction to the above article?

Downtown DIGs-

"I like the Harrison Square proposal and the idea of mixed-use developement downtown, something that we need."

-Costin Ritter, Fort Wayne

Nick's Knick-Knack of the week-

Besides a ballpark/mixed-use development, what other kind of development would you like to see downtown? (e.i. a waterpark, amphitheater, etc.)