Oregon District - Using ART for Economic Development

Once known for its seedy bars and seedier people (yes some are still there), the Oregon District has undergone a bit of a transformation over the past few years with places like Pacchia, Thai Nine, Cafe Boulevard, Jay's Seafood and John Henry making this one of the Dayton Region's only classy dining destinations for independent restaurant lovers.  There have also been a few random art galleries to add to the urban experience, but nothing like what is being announced today....

At 10am today, community leader Dr. Michael Ervin and Dayton artist Mike Elsass along with the City of Dayton, City Wide Development and the DDP are officially announcing their efforts to transform the Oregon District's 5th Street into a unique and exciting urban arts district. The plan includes a significant subsidy for artists that wish to open galleries in one of several currently-empty spaces along 5th Street - enough so to make it possible for many artists to participate.  You may have already noticed places like Gallery FiveOneNine, Gallery 510 Fine Art (former Dolcessa space) and Visceral (across the street)... coming in March you'll also have a  chance to see Elsass's own Color of Energy gallery behind Pacchia.  At least 5 additional galleries are already in the works, with potentially many more yet to come.  Dr. Ervin has kick-started this effort with $250k of seed money that will also go towards marketing the new arts district, implementing a design plan for 5th Street (see the PPS paragraph below), hiring an arts director for the district and directly helping the artists that are moving into the spaces.

The plan includes more than visual art - one group is looking at bringing a holistic medicine center and yoga studio to the district.  And this plan has sustainability in mind since it requires all artists to submit viable business plans before obtaining help with setting up their galleries.  When it's all said and done, 5th Street will become the DEFACTO arts district of the entire region and may even give Columbus's famous Short North a run for their money.  And as more and more people are attracted to this truly unique district for a taste of truly unique arts and culture (pay attention, Warren County) the district may finally become the interesting and authentic destination it has always striven to be.

But wait, there's more!

The folks behind this effort have a clear understanding of the challenges that the OD (and all of downtown for that matter) face in terms of attracting more people to visit here.  Parking has always been near the top of those challenges, so the City of Dayton is stepping in and putting some serious money ($850k) into a total transformation of the parking lot behind Jays, Thai Nine and Gem City Records.  The existing lot is to be completely torn out and then expanded (by over 70 spaces) and repaved with better lighting and landscaping.  This lot will be FREE for OD visitors at night, and visitors will no longer be greeted with signs that say "Jay's Parking Only - Violators will be Towed!", etc.  because the entire lot will be available to all.  Yes, I know - we'd rather see a parking garage... but it is a start, people.  And there are additional parking solutions on the drawing board to make the OD even MORE user friendly in the near future.

Finally, Project for Public Spaces out of New York has been hired to come in and design some solutions for making 5th Street into a TRUE community place.  Here is part of their mission statement:

 

Imagine a town square bustling with people who are greeting each other, buying, selling, and exchanging ideas. For everyone striving to make public spaces better, PPS is that town square. Our vision is to act as the central hub of the global Placemaking movement, connecting people to ideas, expertise, and partners who share a passion for creating vital places.

 

Since 1975, we have worked in more than 2,000 communities in 26 countries around the world, helping people turn their public spaces into vital community places, with programs, uses, and people-friendly settings that build local value and serve community needs.

Yes, you read that right - 26 COUNTRIES... talk about a world class outfit!  Hmm, sounds straight out of a Cool Town Studios post, doesn't it?  Well I would not be surprised to soon see a post there about the crazy cool ideas being implemented right here in Downtown Dayton/OD District.  All of this is coming from what we at MostMetro.com have been hyping here all along - not the city government or other bureaucratic agency, but a true grassroots effort spearheaded by people who passionately care about this community in which they live in and are a part of.  Kudos to Dr. Ervin and Mike Elsass for having the vision to make this all possible.  In the words of the great BTO (look it up, kiddies) - YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHING YET!!!!!!

Comments

[Michael]

Fantastic, the OD is kicking it up a notch while capitalizing on its unique assets. And this is bringing something new to Downtown so it won't be in direct competition with other downtown development. In fact, this kind of marketing is exactly what the OD needs. Surely, the surrounding areas (Webster Station, the CBD) will benefit from the added buzz and energy.

Much thanks to Dr. Ervin, Mike Elsass, MostMetro for being on top of things, the city, and everyone else involved! PPS is an A+ outfit as well.

You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet by Bachman Turner Overdrive (BTO): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJmBPCYt5LY

[metromark]

The plan to bring a trolley system connecting the UD/Brown St. area to the OD, Webster Station, Riverscape, and other points downtown should really enhance this whole effort. My compliments to Dr. Ervin and Michael Elass for stepping up to the plate. As I mentioned in a previous post, 2008 could very well be a watershed year for downtown when we look back 10 years from now and say, yep, 2008 was the tipping point!

[David Esrati]

Place a bet the Project for Public Places doesn't charge $750K like the Turner Effect did for "Be Midwest"
I've been pushing for a mixed use garage- and elimination of zoning codes that make buildings un-usable for years. The old Morris building is landlocked- it can't get parking within the legal distance because that would involve tearing something down- and everything can't be torn down because it's historic.
Catch-22 that has stopped reuse for years.
City leaders (including former mayor- Mike Turner) refused to address these issues.
It's long overdue. Mike & Mike are generous men- who will finally get something happening-
money sure helps.

[Bill Pote]

Here is the official press release: http://www.downtowndayton.org/pdfs/PROregonArts.pdf

[Emily]

It's exciting to read about all of this from afar, I just can't wait to come back for the summer and get involved!

[Jeffrey]

Project for Public Spaces is a real good outfit. Really pumped to hear they are being brought in to work on this.

Check 'em out:

http://www.pps.org/

[Steve]

Great that some forwardthinking and generous "movers and shakers" have come to the task. Dayton has always thrived when community leaders and business people have stepped up and decided to "get it done".