While Neely hasn't had a problem renting her building, others have. Many of the buildings with historic architecture are used as storage units and at night there is no lighting.

Neely and her husband, Ryan, directors of the downtown Gallery Stroll, are part of a group of Provo art lovers who expressed a desire to see an explosion of art throughout the region. Many envision the ideal downtown with sculptures lining the streets and an abundance of art programs in place for the community.

Trent Robertson, a junior at BYU, felt an art-only approach would alienate students with different interests. "I think the big problem is they think to much about art galleries," Robertson said. "Arts are great and all, but they are going to want to have a variety of venues."

During the three-hour workshop, residents, business owners and city officials spoke of their desire to see better landscaping, pedestrian accessibility, transportation and parking. It took the city four years before it could sponsor the workshops due to a number of studies officials needed to help them have an empirical basis for the changes.

"We didn't think it would take us this long, but now we're here and we're happy to be here, putting into place a strategic plan," Glauser said.

City officials estimate that the next workshop will be held in three weeks at the Provo library, 550 N. University Ave., but recommend that residents and business owners check the Web site www.provo.org or call the Redevelopment Agency at 852-6160.

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E-mail: lriddle@desnews.com