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The New Face of DowntownAt a government briefing today, I caught a glimpse of proposed plans (featured below) for Wilmington’s riverfront district. The highlight of the plans is a performing arts center - a venue many Wilmingtonians have long been longing for. With a 1500-2000 person capacity, the proposed center would be capable of hosting a plethora of cultural attractions including symphony, opera, concerts, dance performances and more. Of course, at this point nothing is set in stone. ARCH is currently working with architects to weigh the pluses and minuses and make sure downtown is the most suitable area for the project. If approved, the plans would also include an extended riverwalk, marina, residential condos, hotels, and retail. The hope is that the center and surrounding improvements would help Wilmington become a hot spot for the “creative class” and draw in more prominent industry attracted to culture. It would be an understatement to say this all makes me very thrilled about the future of our Port City. Please check back often for updates regarding this exciting project! Above: proposed plan for Wilmington’s northern riverfront district. Click for larger view. Please note we are waiting to receive a more recent rendering. In the above image, the hotel between the marina and condos is the site considered for the performing arts center. 9 Responses to “The New Face of Downtown”Leave a Reply |
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June 7th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
Thanks for helping spread the word! Wilmington needs to be informed about the changes and improvements coming to downtown. We certainly think that the riverfront is a good choice, however it remains to be seen if that will be the final selection.
June 13th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
Sam Scott recently wrote a great piece on the lack of love for live music in Wilmington. I personally think our selection of venues is the problem. If Dave Matthews were to come to town, where would he play? The university? The airport?? Neither seems fitting. Perhaps a performing arts center is just what live music in Wilmington needs.
June 14th, 2007 at 9:49 pm
Who is ARCH?
June 14th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
June 15th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
what i would like to see is some relevant shopping downtown. i realize that the shop selling trinkets and cape fear maps has been there a while, but if we were able to bring in stores that residents actually want to shop at, we would see a huge revitalization. The same thing happened in my hometown.. and although the old farts didn’t want to see it happen, the downtown integrated a Borders Books, Gap, Polo, (insert any store you see at Mayfaire) etc., and the economy has gone crazy. And of course the shops would need to maintain the look and feel of the area. But it sure seems that there are enough vacant storefronts down there to accommodate. Something has to happen. Im not sure how much more hand made fudge and glass blown figurines i’ll be able to purchase this year.
June 15th, 2007 at 5:59 pm
Great news! Hopefully the DARE people will not fight this one and will look into the future beyond what the traditional way of doing business is. The odds however are against the completion of this project since the city government tends to fight forward thinking and is not pro-growth. I think the plan for a Performing Arts Center or Coliseum would be awesome for venues ranging from regional gymnastics, cheerleading and indoor soccer or lacrosse competitions not to mention semi-pro or minor league basketball teams and special events like concerts and art shows, etc.
June 18th, 2007 at 11:34 am
The old farts as you put it, are probably concerned with the tax base, and appreciation of same. There is a cost associated with everything and believe it or note, the old farts are the ones that have to pay it, while the “youngsters” complain and want more. Just pure finance…
June 20th, 2007 at 9:42 am
20 years ago my hometown revitalized the historic downtown/waterfront and they had to overcome similar issues. It was made into a boutique shopping district with reataurants/bars/venues/businesses. The tourism it brings in today is astounding…all year round! Especially around holidays/summertime (we are also coastal). The Chamber of Commerce works very hard year round to plan and promote festivals, farmers markets, free concerts…you name it they’ve tried it! Most importantly the city has maintained its historic charm and character…20 years ago this small city was in really rough shape and it could’ve easily stayed that way…now it is one of the nicest places to live, work and visit.
When I visited Wilmington just last month I got the same feeling about your port city…it has incredible potential and looks to me like you are well on your way…it won’t happen overnight but inspired vision and good planning…sensitive to the needs of people who live there will eventually pan out…
June 20th, 2007 at 10:04 am
Great discussion! I’m neither an economics major nor an old fart, but I am a homeowner and do pay taxes. While I see the truth in the concept that there would be a monetary cost associated with the re-development of the downtown area, the business person in me also sees that this is a longterm investment that will pay great dividends. At this point I personally know a good number of people that won’t even go to the downtown area in the evenings because they don’t feel safe. I think it would be great to get that area re-developed, more safe and with a larger business tax base contributing to the revenues of our City.
Mike, how is it that only the old farts are paying for everything the “youngsters” like me aren’t, even though I’m a homeowner, business owner and pay taxes (lots of them)?