Downtown: The Vision

In a recent gathering of local activists, bloggers and concerned citizens, we discussed ideas that could be applied to preserve and enhance the Downtown. One of the action items that came out of it was for the group to create a compelling vision for what Downtown could and should be. We won't make headway with "don't tear this down" and "don't build that parking lot". We have to be able to say, convincingly, here is a Downtown that will be attractive, functional, vital and historic.

To that end, I am proposing we create that vision using an online interactive map. I've started one here that, unfortunately, cannot be collaboratively edited. Post a list of stuff you want to see added, and I will add it. Preferably, you would also include a link to a picture and a Web site that can go along with the name and contact info for the business or site. Go ahead and put it in the commments, and I'll tackle each as I can. So far, this is the best tool I've found to handle this goal.

Here are the types of things I anticipate us wanting to feature:
* Projects: We talked about lighting up bridges and buildings to make Downtown more compelling. Photoshop an image that represents how that would look, at let's attach it to the bridge/building.

* Preservation: Want to highlight the planted median strips on W Federal? Take a picture of it, and let's post it on that street to say "This is good; let's keep it!" Take a picture of the State Theater facade and we'll post that: "Let's preserve this!"

* Directory: We can simultaneously create an index of Downtown hotspots that people should know about and frequent. Favorite pizza shop or rib place? Let's highlight it.

PLEASE NOTE: All pictures must already be hosted somewhere online. Please send me the URL to where the picture is hosted (as opposed to sending me the picture itself).