Downtown Revitalization

I have dreamed, since I was in college, of putting together a real, viable project that would help to revitalize Downtown Montpelier - downtown "anywhere" for that matter.  My real-life experience, however, has demonstrated that the REAL part is easy, it's the VIABLE part that is the problem.  Investing money in a REAL project that lacks VIABILITY is a waste.

One other problem with downtown projects is that they are inherently complicated.  Research and experience have shown that success only comes when you have three elements:

1) satisfaction - a successful downtown needs to have a diverse cross-section of venue to satisfy needs and wants - too much specialization can kill - a significant lack can kill too

2) residents - people who actually live in and near the downtown and shop/eat/entertain in the downtown

3) attraction - the downtown needs to be attractive enough to ALSO draw people from outside the downtown

So, I am currently involved with several groups that are working on a few elements resembling both REAL and VIABLE projects for Montpelier: cultural, residential and commercial (need/want).

ArtSpace, First National Building, and Iron Horse Tavern.  These projects - when combined - present some awesome opportunities in Montpelier.  ArtSpace is the most pressing.  I hope to post soon with some updates on how this success is spurring other conversations.