WAMC Northeast Public Radio and Central Avenue Business Improvement District is teaming up to create a new Arts and Entertainment District along Central Avenue. The district will encompass a two-block radius around the Linda Norris Auditorium and will consist of a mix of theaters, galleries, and outdoor cafes.
WAMC has contributed $30,000 to the project, and the BID has contributed $10,000. The two organizations have solicited proposals from planning organizations to create a comprehensive plan for the proposed district, said David Galletly, WAMC Vice President.
The request for proposal (RFP) outlines the requirements for this comprehensive plan. The plans must address future capital developments, zoning, branding and signage, and provide master plans for the area. The Proposals were due July 6, 2007 and are currently under review. The RFP asks designers to preserve and restore architectural features and streetscapes, and to create a “vibrant blend of commercial and residential uses/densities, including artisan live-work space, and residential and commercial mix-uses."
The final proposal will be selected by the end of the summer, and will then be presented to the community for review, Galletly said. The plans would provide a "recommended path" for the district, he said.
The RFP requires that the designers meet with the community in a planning charrette. This formal critique will allow for the community to make suggestions and participate in the design process. WAMC and BID also held a public meeting on the proposed district on June 21, where they were able to talk with members of the business and residential community in this area.
The RFP also notes several other projects that are currently under way on the Avenue that will affect the new district, including the creation of a new parking multi-use parking facility on Central Avenue next to the Linda Norris. The lot will serve auditorium patrons at night, and CDTA park-and-ride customers during the day.
Anthony J. Capece, Executive Director for the Central BID, said secure parking is the first step in bringing many folks to the area. The next step will be to attract some restaurants and other targeted businesses to the area, Capece said.
WAMC has several holdings along Central Avenue, including the building that now holds the studio and offices and the Linda Norris. The station just recently purchased a large piece of property on the corner of Central Avenue and Quail Street. The property encompasses two buildings and extends away from Central Avenue one neighborhood block. The buildings now holds a vitamin and supplements store, a laundromat, and a pizzeria.
WAMC has contributed $30,000 to the project, and the BID has contributed $10,000. The two organizations have solicited proposals from planning organizations to create a comprehensive plan for the proposed district, said David Galletly, WAMC Vice President.
The request for proposal (RFP) outlines the requirements for this comprehensive plan. The plans must address future capital developments, zoning, branding and signage, and provide master plans for the area. The Proposals were due July 6, 2007 and are currently under review. The RFP asks designers to preserve and restore architectural features and streetscapes, and to create a “vibrant blend of commercial and residential uses/densities, including artisan live-work space, and residential and commercial mix-uses."
The final proposal will be selected by the end of the summer, and will then be presented to the community for review, Galletly said. The plans would provide a "recommended path" for the district, he said.
The RFP requires that the designers meet with the community in a planning charrette. This formal critique will allow for the community to make suggestions and participate in the design process. WAMC and BID also held a public meeting on the proposed district on June 21, where they were able to talk with members of the business and residential community in this area.
The RFP also notes several other projects that are currently under way on the Avenue that will affect the new district, including the creation of a new parking multi-use parking facility on Central Avenue next to the Linda Norris. The lot will serve auditorium patrons at night, and CDTA park-and-ride customers during the day.
Anthony J. Capece, Executive Director for the Central BID, said secure parking is the first step in bringing many folks to the area. The next step will be to attract some restaurants and other targeted businesses to the area, Capece said.
WAMC has several holdings along Central Avenue, including the building that now holds the studio and offices and the Linda Norris. The station just recently purchased a large piece of property on the corner of Central Avenue and Quail Street. The property encompasses two buildings and extends away from Central Avenue one neighborhood block. The buildings now holds a vitamin and supplements store, a laundromat, and a pizzeria.
Written by Molly Belmont
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