Posted on June 27, 2011 by Melanie Houston

From June through October of 2010, Discovery Special Improvement District (SID) staff interviewed more than 60 people representing 31 property owners in the Discovery District. Discovery SID, created by property owners in 2006, is a private sector organization that works to improve the safety and image of the Discovery District Neighborhood.

When asked what physical improvements they would like to see in the district, community leaders and property owners expressed a breadth of ideas. People generally expressed a desire to see more connecting fabric in the neighborhood including retail services, restaurants and coffee houses. Several individuals also wanted to see more housing and additional entertainment and cultural facilities. Specific suggestions for physical improvements to the district included:

• Upgrades to Broad Street
• Building on surface parking lots
• Increased number of trees and greenery
• Traffic calming improvements
• More green space (with a potential water feature)
• Repeating elements along major streets (e.g. icons, public art, topiary bushes, banners)
• Gateway signs
• New light fixtures

Desired outcomes of improvements included a pedestrian-friendly walking environment, a strengthened sense of community and pride in the Discovery District, and improved connections into and within the district.

Stay tuned for future updates on the Discovery District Neighborhood Visioning Plan.