Is an entertainment/cultural district possible downtown?
The construction of Centennial Park has not only provided a shot in the arm for downtown activity, but it appears to have officials pondering the creation of an entertainment and/or cultural district. On Tuesday, city leaders got a sneak peek of what it might take to turn part of downtown into a cultural or entertainment district. In both cases, the creation of a district would be to make special zones that harness the power of resources to stimulate development and community revitalization. The park has played into the power of rebirth as it has been home to movie nights, community gatherings and business functions. The park was a joint project of the Scharbauer Foundation, the city of Midland and private funders. It was patterned off parks in Dallas and Houston that have turned areas of downtown into community gathering points. City leaders learned the state allows for cultural districts to be created that generate business, attract tourists, stimulate cultural development and foster civic pride. Types of cultural districts include cultural compounds, art institution focus, arts and entertainment district focus, downtown focus and focus on art production. Those cities with cultural districts include Abilene, San Angelo, Lubbock, Alpine, El Paso, Dallas, Fort Worth, Georgetown and Austin. Key to knowing when a city is ready to apply for a for cultural district designation include:  District planning efforts that reflect the diversity of the community,  Having funding available to pay for the district,  Having support from arts and cultural leaders,  Having strong political support for a district. An entertainment overlay district allows for the development of property as destination venues to promote a vibrant and active area. It also is designed to encourage economic development through infill and redevelopment of underutilized properties and adaptive reuse of existing buildings. The balance of land uses for working, living, shopping and entertainment will increase quality of life for residents and create a unique identity for Midland, according to a city document. What follows is the creation of a district that determines areas as destination points, creates an overlay district that allowed for permitted uses and determines how to fund public improvements/services that will be necessary to enhance the district. Features include signage, street art, street furniture, pop-up shops, parking initiatives, parklets (public seating platforms that convert curbside parking spaces into vibrant community space) and paseos (specifically designed paths for walking). Councilman Scott Dufford told the Reporter-Telegram afterward that assessing properties inside the district isnt likely but that current entities in place can help in costs that come up. He expects the positive of a district would outweigh costs like cleanup and parking enforcement.