2.0. HRSR 03-10-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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businesses listed above, these facilities are real "traffic generators" for down- town. To truly reflect the community, the elements that ultimately comprise the civic/institutional core must be quality buildings and outdoor spaces fitting the character and qualities of Monticello— a place in downtown in which the III community takes real pride. It must also function well in the patterns of down- town — being easily accessible, providing adequate (but not excessive) park- ing and matching the density expected in a downtown environment. It is difficult to estimate the true impact of the development of a facility such as a Family Center, one of the key components of the civic/institutional core. As this facility is considered, it should aim to be a place of many uses, attract- ing a wide range of the community for learning, socializing and playing. It might also provide space for larger community functions and events. Anecdotal evidence supports the idea of a facility like a Family Center draw- ing people into the downtown for purposes beyond the activities of the Family Center itself. Many cities have invested their resources into a major event facility or a center for families, wagering that it will cause the private sector to respond with its own investment. Plymouth, which worked with the private sector to develop a community recreation center in their downtown, is relying on that facility to, in part, spur development in their City Center, an area which has seen little activity in the last twenty years. Plymouth also has a new library in the City Center area, anchoring the end of the street opposite the new recreation center. A movie theater is the other part of their strategy; the city invested a large amount of money in the purchase of site for the theater. They realized early on in the . process that it would be difficult for their investment to pay off in the short term, but in the long term they would be more than adequately rewarded. The combination of these facilities became the basis for their "downtown" develop- ment strategy. New Brighton developed a family center as an integral part of their downtown redevelopment. This facility, although different than Plymouth's three ele- ments,continues to be the major focus for their downtown. Across the United States, cities are realizing that the key to the vitality of their downtowns is public sector action. We need only look at the Twin Cities to realize the investment that cities will make toward arenas and theaters -- facili- ties that have driven the redevelopment of areas that have long needed help. On a pure numbers basis, the community could look to a nearby example in Becker. Their community center had over 120,000 visits in 1996, with approx- imately 40% of the visits being non-residents, non-passholder visits. Becker has also recognized the attraction that their facility has in terms of industrial recruitment: every prospect for their industrial park is brought to their com- munity center. Its director feels that it makes the decision for those who have questions about where to locate their business. Becker can only be an exam- ple, and the merits of a Family Center in Monticello will have to be judged by the people of the community. It would appear, however, that a facility such as this could be a powerful attraction for Monticello's downtown. • A New Bridge Rev/tallring Montkello's Downtown and Riverfront Page 3:6