Downtown Update

 

Lake Avenue is OPEN!

Motorists can again travel along Lake Avenue between Superior Street and First Street.  The avenue had been closed for several months to make way for the installation and construction of a skywalk bridge.  Crews late yesterday afternoon opened the barricades to allow vehicular travel again along this busy thoroughfare.  Finishing work continues on the skywalk extension.

 

 

Check out Zeitgeist Arts Café

The doors open tomorrow (October 2^nd) at Zeitgeist Arts Café at 222 E. Superior Street.  Many area residents were invited to be “guests” of the restaurant as it “rehearsed” for opening day and the buzz about this new eatery is moving rapidly through Duluth.  Zeitgeist Arts Café’s menu is American Contemporary, creative and fresh and invites diners to try old favorites with new twists or something they may never have tried before. The Café is moderately priced and the atmosphere artistic from the design of the café down to the beautiful works of art that grace the walls.   It also offers a full-bar including an impressive wine list.   Hours are M-Th 11-10, F & Sa 11-11, closed Sundays.

 

GDC Receives $20,000 Gift for the Holidays

Thanks to the generosity of a former donor, the Greater Downtown Council will be adding more lights, Christmas decorations and a Bentleyville shuttle bus this season.

The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has asked that the funds go toward continuing the festive spirit within our business district.  This will include lighted garland swags on the skywalks and across Superior Street, more white lights in the trees of Canal Park and a few other surprises. The GDC Board of Directors also approved partnering funds for this project.

 

In addition, the Greater Downtown Council will be operating free shuttle buses to the Bentleyville Tour of Lights at Bayfront Park.  This will allow visitors to park in the core downtown or Canal Park and hop on the shuttle to Bayfront.  It also means you can make a night of it:  enjoy dinner, shopping and Bentleyville without the hassle of parking and re-parking. 

 

By Bus or by Train 

Besides the shuttle buses, excitement is also brewing over the opportunity to climb aboard the Train to Bentleyville this holiday season.  Fitger’s and the North Shore Scenic Railroad are teaming up to offer the magical experience of riding the train from Fitger’s to Bayfront Park.  Reservations will be required as space is limited.  Tickets are just $2.00 and will be available at the Bookstore at Fitger’s (727-9077).

 

Light up Your Holidays

The foundation of the Greater Downtown Council’s 2009 holiday promotion has been laid.  Over 40 merchants and storefronts are participating in the “Light up your Holidays” campaign this holiday season.  The photo shoot for the gift guide is complete and individual window planning has already begun.  With the addition of the Bentleyville Tour of Lights and the estimated 200,000 visitors it will bring, the Downtown Waterfront district is certainly poised to shine. Remember, the Christmas City of the North Parade is November 20^th and that also marks the unveiling of the storefront window displays.

 

The Big Tent goes up; Semis, Volunteers to Follow

Bentleyville is officially moving into Bayfront Park.  A tent goes up this afternoon as part of the staging area for volunteers, meanwhile, semi trucks loaded with lights and decorations will be converging on the park tomorrow.  Remember, if you wish to lend a hand in set-up or anytime during the holidays, visit www.bentleyvilleusa.org to register as a volunteer.

 

Congratulations DTA

The Duluth Transit Authority was named the Minnesota Transit System of the Year by the Minnesota Public Transit Association (MPTA) recently. 

 

This was the first time the DTA had received this award from MPTA who have been giving the award since 1986. This award is given to the organization which has demonstrated achievement in efficiency and effectiveness, including reports on ridership, cost, safety, maintenance proficiency, agency policy and administration and the organization’s achievement of its goals and objectives.

 

Duluth Downtown Waterfront District is Renewed

Duluth City Councilors gave their approval last month to recertifying the Duluth Downtown Waterfront District managed by the Greater Downtown Council.  Property owners representing more than 63% of the assessed value in the Downtown Waterfront had signed petitions asking for the district to be recertified another five years. 

 

This means you will continue to see the highly recognizable Clean & Safe Team out on the streets and in the skywalks.  Plus, you’ll see additional focus on marketing, special events and streetscape improvements.   And speaking of streetscape improvements, the GDC just received a matching grant to help bring benches back to the sidewalks of our Downtown Waterfront.

 

Residential Membership Kicks-Off

The GDC has kicked off a membership drive for an important part of our neighborhood—our residents!  We want to incorporate the needs, desires and visions from those who live here 24-7 with the GDC mission.  Thanks to Aces on First for hosting a Residential Happy Hour to kick off our initiative and allow neighbors to meet one another. 

Welcome to our New Residential Members:

Kathy & Jim Bartsias, John & Marion Hedenberg and Tom Wheeler