Destination Midtown
How about a Hotel on Park Avenue?
No they're not playing Monopoly, this is a lot more than a
game. It's the October 15, 2003
Destination Midtown neighborhood workshop.
The meeting was kicked off by a presentation by James Moore,
community design principle for HDR about what makes a successful neighborhood
business center. A crowd of more
than 60 then broke into 6 groups and attacked the task of creating business
centers using 30 scale models, each representing a different part of midtown.
The groups got to work implementing a variety of guidelines
that make a neighborhood business center comfortable, where residents are known
and welcomed by name.
Moore pointed out that the business center should be the
right scale for the rest of the neighborhood, accessible by foot and bike, have
attractions for all genders and ages, and have a focal point that everyone
recognizes like bandstand or a water fountain.
The six neighborhood business districts were 40th
and Cuming; 40th and Farnam; 33rd and California; Saint
Mary's Avenue and Park Avenue; Park Avenue between Pacific Street and Woolworth
Avenue; and 34th to 36th on Center.
The Center Street group proposed narrowing Center between 32nd
Avenue and 36th Street and adding two roundabouts, each with a
fountain to make the area more pedestrian friendly. They also suggested removing the asphalt from the street to
expose the original bricks and give the area more character.
Some groups saw potential to add coffee shops, restaurants
and grocery stores to their areas. Others suggested narrowing streets and
returning to two way streets to create more pedestrian friendly environments.
The enthusiasm about creating new areas within their
neighborhoods was very much in evidence at the session. It was clear that a great deal can be
accomplished when neighbors get together to dream big dreams about their
neighborhood.
Destination Midtown is moving into its final recommendation
phase. You can find out more about Destination Midtown at their website www.omahachamber.org/destinationmidtown
