Nicole June Reporting
njune@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – As the city of Clarksville continues to grow, developers, architects, city officials, and other citizens are looking for methods of utilizing the space within the city in the best manner possible.
Cities throughout the nation have increased their economic productivity by revamping centralized downtown areas. Studies conducted in various cities including: Rapid City, SD; Redwood City, CA; Bristol, CT; Portland, OR; Detroit, MI; and Knoxville, TN have shown that public downtown gathering spaces attract businesses, residents, and activities to the city center.
Pioneer Courthouse Square in Portland, Oregon – Shutterstock
Matthew Lyle with Lyle.Cook.Martin Architects in Clarksville is a staunch supporter of creating a ‘public living room’ downtown, a park that would serve as a gathering spot. This space could be used for any number of purposes, such as concerts, movie screenings, and markets. The proposed space, known as the Bank of America property near Second and Third Streets, would invite citizens and visitors to spend time in the heart of the city.
Potential downtown Clarksville gathering space – ClarksvilleNow.com
“I am very passionate about giving the community a place to gather and a space that everyone can feel they have a stake in,” Lyle said. “When everyone in the community feels they have a space to freely gather and in which they may sit comfortably for as long as they want and enjoy their town, then they will feel like they can come downtown any time they want.”
Lyle believes this gathering place will encourage the community to not only shop in the surrounding area, but also to value and support the idea.
Campus Martius Park, foreground, in downtown Detroit is seen on Thursday, July 21, 2011. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
In a study known as the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Blueprint, ‘quality of space’ is a key component. “Clarksville-Montgomery County lacks true destinations that attract residents and visitors in substantial numbers,” the study noted. “A vibrant central-city will draw talent, visitors, and businesses to the region.”
Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, GA – Shutterstock
The study defines the central-city as the Austin Peay campus, the historic downtown, and the riverfront around the marina. Lyle believes connecting these areas is essential for development.
Sammy Stuard, President and CEO of F&M Bank, which is headquartered downtown, also feels a park or gathering space presents a unique opportunity for improvement.
“I think the park offers a lot of opportunities for different things to happen downtown. It’s an area where people can go to just enjoy the downtown setting. It would be a great asset to our community. We need more green space and there couldn’t be a better place for it,” he said.
Pioneer Square in Seattle, WA – Shutterstock
Two Rivers Company (TRC), a non-profit affiliated with city and county governments, works with organizations to create a flourishing business environment, but is not a regulatory authority, according to their website. TRC’s Executive Director Brenda Kelley said the board has no official position at this time, but she said the board may look into the matter in the future.
For now, the proposal is simply an idea created by community members with a vision for the potential of Clarksville. The fate of downtown remains to be seen.