The pics/rendering in Lake's last post are of Campus Martius in Detroit -- a Project for Public Spaces project. Here's what their web site says about it:
"'We wanted a place that was green and that was a center of activity for downtown,' he continues. 'But we didn't want a place that was tranquil and beautiful, but there was nothing to do.' Gregory says they hit on the idea of a lively town square by looking at examples like Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park in New York, and many European city squares.
'Over the last year, the park has delivered on its promise to be a gathering spot for everybody,' Gregory says with unmistakable pride in his voice. 'People call it 'beautiful' and say it looks like 'a real city.' It changes the image of Detroit in everyone's mind. They see the square on TV, hear about what's happening there and they see Detroit differently.'
Five hundred million dollars of new investment has flowed into the area since plans for Campus Martius were announced, including a new office building across the street, new retail shops, and loft developments in many of the area's old buildings. Most significantly, the Compuware computer firm moved its headquarters and 4000 employees from the suburbs to a new building near the square."
This is what the citizens of Jacksonville want -- a revitalized Downtown area. Our city can't get it right b/c politics gets in the way of leadership. This Mayor and this Council just aren't cut out for making smart decisions about it. They are penny-wise and pound foolish, and don't realize that a revitalized Downtown would be a boon for the entire region, including their own districts...
