Blog entry #11, Downtown

Downtown...the thought of it makes me happy.  I think about walking from quaint shop to quaint shop, stopping to sit at a table on the sidewalk and sip coffee.  I think about watching people, window shopping, and enjoying an ice cream.  I think over time, downtown has changed from an area of neccessity, to one of leisure.  Most people don't shop for staples downtown.  They do that at large grocery stores or malls.  Going shopping in downtown Ft. Myers is more of a fun day. 

I think Ft. Myers is experiencing a renaissance because people enjoy the atomosphere.  It is a change of pace to shop where there are choices and not cookie cutter shops.  I think people like to experience a bit of culture while they visit the downtown area.  The architecture is beautiful, the history of the town is evident, and people slow down a bit to look around.  At night, people enjoy dining at one of the many delicious restraunts, then strolling the quiet streets. 

I think "New Urbanism" is evident by the diverse shops, the encouragement of walking through the downtown, the apartments for rent above stores, and the green spaces that have been thoughtfully provided.  In Cocoa Village, which is in Brevard County, a huge park has been built, with a amphitheater, lots of green space, benches, gazebos and a water fountain for kids to play in.  There are picnics, movies on the lawn, street parties and craft fairs held often.  A huge 4th of July picnic is put on every year.  This truly evokes the feel of downtown and encourages visitors to spend time outdoors.  There is also a weekly farmer's market. 

Encouraging people to use existing building, to renovate rather than tear down, and to build and rebuild within a downtown area is in line with sustainability.  Resue, don't throw out.  The beautiful buildnings can be renovated into many different things, including apartments.