A Vibrant Downtown

In an article published in the Washington Post, architect Roger K Lewis comments about things that make downtowns vibrant. He says "downtowns, traditional or otherwise, do not succeed simply by virtue of higher density or improved street networks. Higher densities, rational street-block patterns and enhanced mobility are necessary but not sufficient."

Diversity is a critical element. Diversity of people, places, options.

"Vibrant downtowns also promote and sustain diverse tenants and uses. They are places where ... people can find jobs, housing choices, shopping, culture, entertainment and transportation. Even ample, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks don't make downtowns truly viable without a critical mass of attractive activities, amenities and infrastructure."

"Nevertheless, much of the charm of traditional downtowns is attributable to the aesthetic quality of the public realm: well-landscaped, properly proportioned plazas and urban parks; tree-lined, well-lighted streets and sidewalks; and pedestrian-level storefronts that enliven the streetscape. Make walking pleasant, and people will choose to walk instead of drive.

In making places desirably urban, the right mix of uses and good streetscape design can be more important than pumping up density. Look at Georgetown, Alexandria and the Bethesda Row area of Bethesda.".

We believe he is absolutely right. To make Sarasota’s downtown vibrant - which is everyone’s goal - we need diversity; diversity in the many elements that make up our downtown.

So far we have approved a number of mixed use developments, a grocery store and are in the process of adding parking. There's nothing wrong with this. The big problem is that the residential units are so pricey that few year-round residents live there. And most of those that do live downtown are retired (many moved over from Longboat). While these are great people it’s not a diverse mixture of young and old, workers and managers, thinkers and doers, etc. We have little room for entertainment, no affordable housing, no plan to attract business and to top it off we are making a canyon out of main Street.

How about some streetscape, plazas, urban park areas, shade tree lined streets (not mono-culture Hi-Rise Oaks to match the hi-rise condos)? Let’s make our downtown truly walkable. A place where people want to walk around. Let’s inject a strong dose of diversity into our downtown.

Density is not the only answer. It is a byproduct of creating a vibrant, interesting place. A unique spot with a strong sense of place. We have other great amenities: beaches, public waterfront, great cultural institutions. A vibrant downtown is also a great amenity. Our civic leaders need to take a look at what else needs to be in the mix so we achieve needed diversity and a strong, year round, vibrant downtown.