The Pensacola Downtown Improvement Association held its annual meeting this morning at Heritage Hall. Two downtown businesses had their 50th Anniversary this year: Sam Marshall Architects, Jewelers Trade Shop.
Golden Bricks – for stellar renovations – Stillwaters Spa, Emmanuel Sheppard Condon Addition, Subway/Jack & Ron/Running Wild building, Jewelers Trade Shop, Escambia Courthouse Office Complex
Guest Speaker: David Feehan, President of the International Downtown Association. He opened with a few creative marketing slogans that other downtowns have used:
Austin: “Keep Austin Weird”
Cleveland: ” Who says we’re defensive?”
Detroit: “We’re not as dangerous as you think”
Flint: “Don’t even go there”
Mesa: “It’s not hell, but you can see it from here.”
Pittsburgh: “It’s like Paris but without all that French crap.”
Feehan made several good points in his Powerpoint presentation
Factors in Downtown Regeneration
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Downtown management organization
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Public-Private partnerships
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Changing demographics
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Decline in crime
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Improving Public Spaces
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Residential development
Elements of Successful Downtown
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Office market
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Dining & entertainment
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Retail
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Culture, arts & heritage
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Residential development
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Transportation & parking
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Addressing social issues
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Festivals & events
Keys to Revitalization
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Shared values
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Strategic plan
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Organization
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Sufficient resources
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Set priorities
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Consensus building & conflict resolution
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Leadership
