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Originally Posted by woodrow
This phrase does concern me - "The design of the area has been left very basic to allow for creative development ideas to maximize opportunities at this location." - it just smacks of gobbledy gook, corporate design speak.
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Well, it's a development site, not really a public space. Several early plans included a signature, full-service restaurant at this location. Ultimately we might end up with a food hall or maybe a dock for food trucks with a large seating area. I imagine something similar to what existed on Block 37 before the shopping mall went up. Really not a lot of that type of space downtown.
I don't think it's a bad thing that the Riverwalk includes some flexible space that can adapt to art fairs, farmers markets, food trucks, small concerts, etc. Every other segment verges on being overdesigned. Lots of opportunities for corporate tie-ins, too... did anyone go to that
Nike event they did last winter with CrossFit Games on a barge? Really impressive spectacle, well-managed and beautifully designed.
Probably a good money-maker for the city, too. Remember, the city took out a big Federal loan to build this, which needs to be repaid. CDOT's task is to create several income streams, which is tough when everything is seasonal... they've got rent from food vendors, fees from boat owners who tie up, and money from corporate-sponsored events. I'm sure it's also possible to rent out certain spaces for private events, weddings, etc. It should be pretty easy to monetize a large, flexible space right on the confluence, maybe even during wintertime when heated structures or tents are necessary.