What could help the Garland District become more vibrant, like South Perry?
The South Perry District on Spokane's South Hill has become a vibrant, exciting neighborhood since the 1990s, with hip restaurants and trendy, eclectic retailers, and further expansion incoming. It's become a sort of model for other areas of town, a brilliant success story of a district's revitalization. The Spokesman-Review thinks that the Thursday Market played a big role, and I'm inclined to agree.
But what does that mean for our other major neighborhoods? The Spokesman article and a suggestion from Facebook fan Caleb Ingersoll made me start wondering: what could help the Garland District reach the same level of vibrancy, excitement, and virality? They already have a Street Fair, a Block Party that sounds like something that belongs in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, and a second-run movie theatre. They also have the really cool and historic Milk Bottle, a sort of Spokane landmark. On paper, Garland should be blowing South Perry out of the water. But that's not happening. Garland always seems to play second-fiddle to South Perry.
Why?
I want to know what you think. Post your comments below in our comments section or on Facebook. Is it the lack of a destination Farmers' Market? Do they need more hip restaurants and retailers? Streetscape improvements? Residential units? Let me know what you think.