Title
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING A HISTORIC ARTS AND THEATER DISTRICT IN DOWNTOWN DULUTH.
Body
BY COUNCILOR GARDNER:
WHEREAS, the area depicted on Exhibit A, attached hereto, has become the hub of Duluth’s thriving arts and entertainment scene; and
WHEREAS, this area is increasingly known as Duluth’s Historic Arts and Theater District (“District”); and
WHEREAS, the District has maintained much of its historical feel and character from the District’s period of significance (1872 to 1929) and includes fine examples of Romanesque, classical revival and vernacular architectural styles; and
WHEREAS, efforts continue to embrace the District’s rich history by giving historical building new lives by careful renovation and creating fine eateries, shops and theatres -- such as the Fitger’s Complex, Tycoons, Coney Island, Fannie Rose building, NorShore Theater, Temple Opera, Technology Village, Wieland Block, Greysolon Plaza, Electric Fetus, Zinema, Duluth Trading Company, Carmody, Sheraton, Pickwick, and many more -- making the District a year round destination for tourists, shoppers, artists and locals; and
WHEREAS, the Duluth city council seeks to leverage the District’s arts and theater assets to promote the area as a destination and encourage further development of the creative, business friendly scene by creating a unique identity and sense of place.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Duluth city council hereby designates the District as the Duluth Historic Arts and Theater District; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the council request that city administration use $10,000 from the parking fund, and/or other appropriate funds, to help defray cost of the Greater Downtown Council’s work to administer and sign the District to help establish its unique brand; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the city administration considers re-naming the East Superior Street parking ramp as the HART ramp, in recognition of the newly recognized District.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution establishes an historic arts and theater district in downtown Duluth in order to encourage further development and to create a unique sense of place for locals and tourists. In addition, the resolution encourages the city administration to rename the East Superior Street parking ramp the HART ramp and allocates $10,000 from the parking fund, and/or other appropriate funds, to help defray the cost of administration and signage.