DDD pushes Strategic Plan forward

The Downtown Development District gave a rundown of the status of its various projects at its meeting this morning, with Executive Director Davis Rhorer recommending Option 1 for the 2012 Strategic Plan. The option involves three major projects: branding and marketing of the Arts and Entertainment District; conducting a residential market analysis for developers to aid in efficient growth; and creating a design resource center at which developers and the public can converge and have access to planning documents. The DDD Commission estimates the plan’s cost at $100,000. “The plan will be folded into the 2012 budget, and the council will vote on it in December,” Rhorer says. The DDD Commission will take action on its 2012 budget next month, which totals $603,519 plus a supplement of $182,350. Rhorer also gave an update on the Galvez Plaza stage canopy, saying that a construction meeting will be held Monday and that the project will require six months of lead time. “We’re cutting it real close to the Live at Five concert series,” Rhorer says. “But this is an incredible thing that’s getting ready to happen.” An update on the apartment project at 438 Main St. was also given at the meeting, with architect Norman Chenevert saying the deal is “closing tomorrow. I’ve got permits in hand and hope to break ground in two weeks.” He estimates the project will take 10 months. —Ian McGibboney