Item C: Downtown Projects - Laserfiche WebLink

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Park Blocks. The identified amount of $300,000 would purchase and install an estimated five works of public art. Public Amenities & Infrastructure: Improvements to sidewalk and plaza comfort are envisioned to provide an inviting and safe downtown environment. The identified amount of $250,000 would concentrate on careful additions or upgrades to lighting, landscaping, signage, benches, and paving. Expenditures for improvements to Broadway Plaza could include temporary installations from May to September to support “summer in downtown” attractions, enliven the space, and compliment other efforts in the downtown core. Park Blocks Improvements & Farmers’ Market Expansion: Improvements to the Park Blocks reinforce the continued use of a signature downtown destination. An investment in improvements to the Park Blocks the amount of $300,000 would include a covered stage and lighting to provide a year- round location for downtown venues and attractions. In conjunction with the identified amount for public art, a child-friendly sculpture or interactive water feature could be installed in the Park Blocks for a family-friendly destination. Additionally, $4,100,000 is estimated for the purchase and demolition of the Lane County-owned “butterfly” parking lot that is ideally located for an expanded Farmers’ Market and could provide a year-round venue. Programming: Programming provides a coordinated and strategic approach to enhance the image of downtown as a safe and welcoming destination, supporting downtown businesses, enlivening public spaces, celebrating the unique assets of downtown, and engaging the community through participation in events. Currently, $15,000 is budgeted for annual programming. An additional $50,000 would support programming, marketing, and staging events throughout the year. HOW Public art selection and installation would be coordinated through the City’s Public Arts Committee. Expansion of the Farmers’ Market would need to be coordinated with Lane County and the Farmers’ Market. WHEN Projects would be prioritized over an estimated one to five year period, with public art purchases occurring annually. RELATED POLICIES/GOALS The Arts and Entertainment District concept is supported by public involvement efforts and policy documents including the Downtown Plan, the Cultural Policy Review, and the West Broadway Advisory Committee Recommendations. The Great Streets concept, the backbone of the Arts and Entertainment District along Broadway and Willamette, is an element of the Downtown Plan, adopted in 2004. Adopted policies support connecting special places downtown and reinforcing the creative, distinct culture of downtown as the cultural center for the city and the region.