We had a great event last night. Many good ideas were presented by attendees and we are looking forward to engaging you in the same way. In the meantime, there has been a hot issue in all our meetings that we would love for you to weigh in on.
Downtown Lakeland is known for its family friendly environment that attracts Lakelanders to many events (i.e: First Fridays, Christmas Parade, Spring Garden Festival, etc.) but more and more the feedback is that Downtown has very little to attract young professionals. What would make Downtown more attractive, accessible, and relative to the next generation of Lakelanders while at the same time maintaining its Family Friendly character? What specific uses (residential, retail, restaurants, business, or recreation) would bring a younger and more diverse crowd to Downtown to live, work, and play?
Let us know your thoughts and ideas.
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What has been identified as the target age group for young professionals?
ReplyDeleteTypically, we define "young" professionals as 18-35-ish. HOWEVER, I would say that this is a really loose range. I know quite a few 40-50+ year olds who would consider themselves to be young, hip, urban professionals. The point is, are there other uses or activities that should be Downtown which appeal to individuals who do not have "families" or want to leave their families (kids) at home.
ReplyDeleteFunny, I wrote an analysis (for fun) about how to improve Downtown Lakeland back in 1994. Now, just 2 years shy of being twice the age I was then, I am just amazed at how little the city has progressed since I was in high school. However I still believe (like I did some 15 years ago) that Lakeland can reach its potential if the proper planning takes place now.
ReplyDeleteTo me, Downtown Lakeland area encompasses (partially or completely) 6 neighborhoods: North Lake Wire, Parker Street, Downtown, Munn Park, Dixieland and South Lake Morton should be developed with those attributes in mind to distinguish itself from the other areas. In other words, the boundaries for the neighborhoods that hinge upon downtown should redeveloped with a higher density to help support the activities of Downtown Lakeland
In order to figure out what ideas the city will be receptive to, we needs to first understand what the city will not budge on.
1) The first immovable object is Munn Park and the immediate surrounding area. This area is off limits and in no shape, way, form or fashion will the City of Lakeland ever approve or allow any establishment or plan that will detract from the sanctity of that area. In other words, WYSIWYG so I'll move on.
2) Next issue is building height and even though it may not seem like a major issue, it literally means the difference between what is currently downtown and what could be.... As it stands now, WYSIWYG with few exceptions.
Now! Young professionals, what do we want? Myself, I want the option to have nice adult entertainment options. No, I'm not talking about strips clubs because that will never happen again in Polk County (let alone Downtown Lakeland). This young professional would enjoy dressing up in his tuxedo and going to a swanky little swing club. But that's just me. I'm pretty sure there are other people that would love to visit a jazz club or just walk around and visit stores around the downtown area. Downtowns all across the country are suffering from the same problem (with the exception of a few major cities). Downtowns are supposed to be a densely developed, magnetic draw for the city and quite possibly the region. Downtown should emanate a feeling of euphoria to everyone associated. The problem is, there is nothing that appeals to the masses (the ones that want to be about town on a regular basis and have money to burn). Below is a list of entertainment options:
-Library - Would love to have a centralized building in the heart of downtown but this is a long shot.
-Museums - Well, we have the Children's Museum and the Polk Museum of Art.
-Planetarium - That could be a nice addition for residents and out-of-towners.
-Parks - We have plenty with a more green space on the horizon (around lakes).
-Restaurants - Self explanatory.
-Clubs (Dance, Comedy, Poetry, etc) - Nothing raunchy but again, adult entertainment. This area should be located in West Downtown around The Lakeland Center. This area without a doubt should be the main activity draw in downtown, not just for shows and special events but also just your average everyday resident who may be contemplating hopping on Interstate 4 and spending money in another county. There is sufficient land surrounding the existing TLC complex to make entertainment upgrades (I'll provide illustrations later). The roads around TLC (Sikes, Lime St, Lemon St. and Main St) provide prime road infrastructure for the entertainment package and can be used to tie in directly to shopping to create a pedestrian thoroughfare.
-Shopping (contemporary, antique, novelty, etc) - I appreciate Lakeside Village but that entire project could have easily provided infill development to Downtown Lakeland and put more pedestrians on the sidewalks. It's still not too late. 1) One option is to approach companies that have stores at both Lakeland Square and Lakeside Village about possible incentives of opening storefront locations downtown in conjunction with their existing establishments. 2) Another option is to encourage retail options not currently available in Lakeland to move downtown. I'm sure most people can name some stores that they leave the county for.
In closing, most people have different ideas as to what could or should be in Downtown Lakeland. I have only listed a few that immediately come to mind. However, I believe the general consensus is that Downtown Lakeland should be more than an every once in a while stop. Downtown Lakeland can be more than a once in a while stop. Downtown Lakeland is capable of becoming the destination that Lakeland residents so desperately need. Now whether or not this happens in our lifetime remains to be seen.
James,
ReplyDeleteGreat comments...on par with many findings from the workshops, staff, and consultant. I would encourage you to look at some of our initial findings at http://www.plandowntownlakeland.com on the plan page.
I just checked out the plan page and I learned some things that I didn't know. I was also impressed by the wide range of feedback generated by the surveys. Hopefully one day soon I will be able to make the drive down from Tallahassee to attend one of the workshops.
ReplyDelete