Businesses mull how to revive downtown Fairbanks

Sheri Olesen, owner of Chartreuse, said beautifying downtown was key.

"I believe that downtown, in order to be successful, needs art," she said. "It doesn't have to be expensive. I redid this entire store on a small budget."

She was disappointed the new zoning failed but had other ideas for improving the district.

The Downtown Association could offer classes on increasing sales, design standards and other business topics, she said. She and other young business owners have been trying to draw people in with events like an outdoor Sweating Honey concert and a winter solstice gala last year.

"It's up to each individual business owner to put forth their best effort," she said.

"I think in 10 years, if I give it everything I have and everybody else does too, it'll be a booming downtown."

Information from: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, http://www.newsminer.com