If proponents of a new renovation plan have their way, a dramatic makeover of the Downtown Mall may be in the works.
Plans to renovate the area were officially presented at City Hall on Wednesday night by architects of the design firm Wallace, Roberts & Todd. The firm hopes to use over $3 million already issued in federal grant money to design a transfer station for riders to change buses. Architects also suggested an extension of the Downtown Mall's brick surface past 7th Street, a refurbished amphitheater, an underground parking lot and several new buildings, including apartment complexes and the planned Lewis and Clark museum.
City Councilman Maurice Cox, who also is a University architecture professor, lauded these changes as "the first opportunity to create a significant public realm" on the east end of the Downtown Mall.
"We have a habit of wanting good public space," Cox said. "This is the single most important opportunity to feed that habit."
City Councilwoman Meredith Richards said she believes renovations will bolster social and economic activity in the downtown area.
"It will extend the life of the Mall and create new space for businesses to locate," Richards said. "This has the potential to bring more employment, more residents downtown and more tourists. It creates a healthy economy."
Richards said the project also would please property owners in the area, who are "keenly interested in expanding the availability of parking."
Despite the apparent benefits of such an undertaking, some community members voiced fiscal criticism. The city's capability to fund the project and whether this would strain taxpayer revenue figured as prominent concerns.
While Cox admitted the endeavor would require "an enormous amount of innovation," he said he believes resources will be found.
"I believe we can receive significant grants," Cox said. "We will certainly be involved in a private sector partnership."
He said the community should see the project in terms of its long-term impact, and not the immediate inconvenience.
"I think our first responsibility as city leaders is to dream big dreams and inspire people to see beyond our current condition," he added. "I'd be saddened if our city leaders did not have vision"
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