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Brookings Institution Report Confirms Department of Cultural Affairs' Goals
Though every downtown is different, there are still common revitalization lessons that can be applied anywhere. This Brookings Institution report captures twelve best practices to reinvigorating a downtown area, including “Step 7 - Create an Urban Entertainment District.”
According to the report’s author, Christopher B. Leinberger, it all starts, as in any real estate development, with market demand. Understanding which of the many urban entertainment options that have the greatest potential for success is a crucial first step. These can include: arenas, performing arts center or stadiums; movie theatres; restaurants; specialty retail; festivals; arts; and night clubs.
“These urban entertainment concepts appeal to different clientele, yet can all be accommodated within walking distance,” Leinberger states. “There can be a night club district a few blocks away from the performing arts center. There can be an arts district close to a movie theater and restaurants. This complexity gives all sorts of people a reason to come downtown.”
It couldn’t be timelier that this report was released just as the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs is beginning the planning for the second year of designating Cultural Districts. A Cultural District is a strategy to develop a mecca of arts, culture and nightlife within communities.
State Historical Society of Iowa Preservation Consultant Jack Porter will be going around the state this summer and talking to communities about how to apply for this important designation. Last year, Cultural Districts were designated in Cherokee, Spencer, Davenport, Dubuque, Charles City, Cedar Falls, Muscatine and Iowa City.
For more information on Cultural Entertainment Districts, contact Jack Porter at Jack.Porter@iowa.gov or 515.242.6152, or visit the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs' Web site.
> Download the Brookings Institution Web site
