Springville making plans for Main Street

SPRINGVILLE — Art City merchants want to become known for unique shops, a walkable historic shopping district and friendly atmosphere based on the arts.

The Main Street district won't compete with two other commercial hubs — the industrial park and the developing 400 South corridor from I-15, say downtown business owners. The city recently annexed that area and zoned it for mixed use commercial development.

The Downtown Business Alliance has named Daniel L. Bolz, president of Paradigm Marketing, as executive director of the Main Street Program. Paradigm Marketing is a management consulting firm.

The alliance and Bolz will work with Bim Oliver, coordinator for the Utah Main Street program. Oliver will stage an initial presentation on what Main Street could become on Wednesday, Oct. 8, starting at 6 p.m. at Hippodrome Studio, 284 S. Main.

Bolz will also attend the second annual Main Street Conference that runs Sept. 25-26 in Richfield to gather ideas for Main Street's transformation.

Alliance goals include slowing traffic on Main Street. The planners envision a bermed median to increase parking, and possibly a parking garage.

The Alliance's vision of Main Street includes landscaping, benches, outdoor cafes, and lighting to boost the historic atmosphere and music. It wants to establish an annual Main Street festival.

Marketing plans are to include an economic impact report, renderings of the group's vision of Main Street and ongoing public relations. Three committees are also planned to handle design, promotion and business growth.