A good example of a commercial district revitalization website

Unbeknownst to me, the Mill Avenue District in Tempe, Arizona, near the airport and adjacent to Arizona State University, is an open-air retail district of the kind I prefer. Had I known ahead of time, I might have changed my trip schedule to get some time to check it out.

Their website, particular the section directed to business development and recruitment, "Doing Business in the Mill Avenue District," is particularly well laid out, with statistics and enumeration of new projects, and other interesting data. From the website:

Mill Avenue District Vision
"The Mill Avenue District leads as a creative knowledge district, and is unsurpassed as an eclectic urban oasis of culture, lifestyle, and commerce."

Mill Avenue District Mission
"DTC, Inc. is the civic leader that generates new ideas through our downtown forum and takes actions that inspire the vibrancy and excellence of the cultural, lifestyle, and commerce experience in the Mill Avenue District."

They seem to use a modified bersion of the Main Street Approach "four points," with six committees. They split promotions into marketing and "Experience and Events". And interestingly, they put monitoring planning functions in the Design Committee, rather than Economic Restructuring, although I guess it's both. And note how they list standing meeting times for every committee. From their website:

Economic Development
Expands the downtown economy through a variety of services which include, but are not limited to, downtown economic and business environment research, providing assistance to existing merchants and helping recruit new businesses. Meets 2:30 p.m. the fourth Thursday of every month.

Marketing and Communications
Internal and external marketing of the Mill Avenue District. Focuses on public, media and community relations, as well as advertising and promotions. Duties also include increasing member participation, educating members about the function and responsibilities of the DTC, recognizing the DTC as a resource and developing a sense of community among members. Special downtown promotions are reviewed under this committee. Meets 7:30 a.m. the first Thursday of every month.

Design and Planning
Designs and plans public space, new development, re-development and rehabilitation. Influences downtown development and growth, improves connections for pedestrians, as well as circulation and transportation. Meets 7:30 am. the third Wednesday of every month.

Safe & Clean
Public health/safety issues, as well as security of the downtown area, including the ambassador program, police relations and homeless outreach program. Works with City to keep downtown clean and safe, improve downtown streetscape and improve perception safety. Manages the Mill Avenue District Ambassador Program. Meets 7:30 a. m. the second Thursday of every month.

Parking and Transportation
Manager of the Mill Avenue District Parking Cooperative, and implements the Downtown Tempe Parking Plan, "ParkIt Tempe" Meets 7:30 a. m. the fourth Tuesday of every month.

Experience and Events
Manages the Tempe Festivals of the Arts, the APS Fantasy of Lights Opening Night and Boat Parade and all other special events produced by the Downtown Tempe Community. Meetings depend on event schedule; call ahead for details.

Finally, check out their "Plan/Vision" and what they lay out as their objectives:

1. Organize the downtown community and advocate its interests.
2. Help make the Mill Avenue District a safer place.
3. Work to develop excellent and convenient access to the downtown.
4. Be a leader in the growth of the downtown economy.
5. Create and market an image for the Mill Avenue District.
6. Plan for the future of the Mill Avenue District.
7. Experience and Events - making magic happen.

I found out about the Mill Avenue District by clicking through an online ad on the Arizona Republic website.


Index Keywords: retail