There seems to be this impression that having big brand anchor tenants and advertisements is somehow a failure here, but I don't see it that way at all.
1. It's a building that is going to be in-use.
2. It's the initiation of a larger project. I understand the skepticism that the project will stall out after this, but I'm optimistic. To turn a multi-block area from nothing (but parking) into a bunch of buildings, it had to start with something. I know this is a lot less than was originally announced years ago, but it's something. And more will follow. That's important.
3. These bars and activities might not appeal to the creatives. To the independent-minded people. To a lot of our senses of "cool". But you better believe they'll appeal to a lot of people. The bottom line is they'll make downtown a little more active. And that's a good thing. Professional Bull Riding bar sounds weird and lame and not to your tastes? I don't disagree. But there are plenty of people who will enjoy it. I say to each their own, and whatever is good for downtown and the city works for me.
This is going to be a lit up and active part of downtown at least 81 times a year, and I'm confident significantly more than that. I don't care how corporate it is, it's good for the city. And I hope it's just the catalyst for further development in the rest of the BPV area.
(Sorry, that's a little more soapbox-y than I intended.)
1. It's a building that is going to be in-use.
2. It's the initiation of a larger project. I understand the skepticism that the project will stall out after this, but I'm optimistic. To turn a multi-block area from nothing (but parking) into a bunch of buildings, it had to start with something. I know this is a lot less than was originally announced years ago, but it's something. And more will follow. That's important.
3. These bars and activities might not appeal to the creatives. To the independent-minded people. To a lot of our senses of "cool". But you better believe they'll appeal to a lot of people. The bottom line is they'll make downtown a little more active. And that's a good thing. Professional Bull Riding bar sounds weird and lame and not to your tastes? I don't disagree. But there are plenty of people who will enjoy it. I say to each their own, and whatever is good for downtown and the city works for me.
This is going to be a lit up and active part of downtown at least 81 times a year, and I'm confident significantly more than that. I don't care how corporate it is, it's good for the city. And I hope it's just the catalyst for further development in the rest of the BPV area.
(Sorry, that's a little more soapbox-y than I intended.)
