Laserfiche WebLink
Retail <br />............................................. <br />The dramatic slowing of the national economy in the housing and financial markets in <br />combination with a reduction in consumer confidence have contributed to a significant decrease <br />in overall sales tax revenue over the past year. <br />Maintaining a diverse mix of retail is essential for an active and dynamic downtown. Restaurants, entertainment, and retailers <br />draw evening and weekend activity and support the needs of residents, businesses and promote visitors. <br />There is recognition amongst many of Downtown's retailers and restaurants that they must broaden their customer appeal by <br />redefining what they sell and how they sell it. DTI is assisting these retailers in their revitalization efforts by partnering with OPIS <br />Network and Mi Empresa Exitosa to analyze retail conditions and develop a downtown retail activation strategy. Both <br />organizations have provided workshops for our retail community as they assess their viability in this downturn and reposition <br />themselves for recovery. Also to further understand the market, DTI will house a seminar conducted by Francisco Valle in the fall. <br />Several major mixed-use projects are planned for Downtown that will enhance the economic vitality of the area. Two proposals <br />for Broadway incorporate the historic reuse of the existing building. Chapter One: the modern local, is moving forward along with <br />The Copper Door. These two neighbors will have a kinship as that "neighborhood" bar with a twist. The twist for Chapter One <br />is, its affordable gourmet dining. The Cooper Door will introduce Santa Ana to beers of the world with future surprises and <br />amenities. <br />In addition, Fiesta Marketplace has proposed a comprehensive re-design that will increase the diversity of retail offerings to <br />prepare for the influx of residents and visitors into the Downtown area. The redesign will enhance the shopping and pedestrian <br />experience on the promenade and will help strengthen this traffic-generating corridor toward Main and Broadway. The Yost <br />Theatre, with seating capacity of 800, will draw top name entertainment and will provide a first class dining experience. A lounge, <br />located in the property next to the Yost Theatre, will provide entertainment dining and dancing. <br />Downtown Inc. will work in partnership with the City of Santa Ana to inform our businesses of facade money as it becomes <br />available. This will further "freshen up" the downtown in anticipation of recovery. <br />E A. <br />- <br />_ f. - <br />Alk <br />NOW, <br />a,t?? Ir? Y <br />41 <br />l_ <br />14