Downtown Amarillo revitalization has already had a positive effect on Amarillo, Texas real estate. The Redevelopment around the Civic Center is on track, and the downtown are has already started to change. Since the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts was completed six years ago, completion of projects and the plans for new construction have boosted downtown property values 37.5 percent. Projects include restoration of the Potter County Courthouse, and the refurbished Fisk building has a new Courtyard by Marriott at the Historic Fisk hotel. A proposed full service convention center, with a hotel of 250 to 300 rooms, set to open in 2015, could bring more conventions and visitors to the downtown area. The possibility of a baseball stadium could bring in private investments and bring thousands to the downtown area.
The planned Toot'n Totum update and Plemons Village Apartments on 10th avenue, existing apartments that are being renovated were also highlighted at the annual meeting of Downtown Amarillo Inc.
No revitalization plan is complete without streetscape projects. The areas of Polk Street and 5th Avenue are targeted for functional improvements that are also aesthetic. New sidewalks with walkway trees, kiosks and pedestrian lighting that include about 140 street lights will give residents and visitors to the area a safe place for a pleasant stroll. Bicycle racks, new trash receptacles and bulb-outs at corners will make the area more functional. Asphalt will be replaced with pavers or bricks at pedestrian crossing areas.
It's important that the area is easy to navigate. Residents and visitors have to easily be able to find their intended destination. When they get there, they have to be able to find a place to park. With the expected increase in traffic that the new hotel and ballpark are expended to bring into the area around the Civic Center, traffic studies are being conducted so that Downtown Amarillo Inc. can plan for safety. Weekly public meetings are being held for input from locals.
Public meeting allow business owners and residents the opportunity to discuss the revitalization project. Downtown Amarillo Inc. has the goal of the revitalization project never being completed. According to the Executive Director, the way to maintain the vision is to keep putting one foot ahead of the other.
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