WHY MIDTOWN
The southern end of the Midtown District intersects with Main Street, which serves the traditional downtown core of the city. The Main Street area is highly desirable for housing, hotel, and commercial activity and is reaching peak redevelopment capacity. As such, growth opportunities and demand are spreading toward the Midtown District, especially at the southern end of the District. At the same time, the Midtown District is surrounded by an established neighborhood with excellent street connectivity and walk score that ties into North 7th Avenue.
District Vision:
The following assets define the Midtown District and shape the opportunities for future development.
• Authentic: Midtown has a unique mid-century heritage with community icons such
as Haufbrau, Rainbow Hotel, and the Lewis and Clark Hotel that give the District distinct character.
• Walkable: Midtown is surrounded by urban neighborhoods with tree-lined streets that
invite residents to walk and bike to the District. New sidewalks on North 7th Avenue will encourage activity on the street.
• Dynamic: Midtown is home to the BMX Park and quick access to Story Mill Trail.
Residents within Midtown don’t drive to recreation spots, they bike there.
• Community: Whittier Elementary School is in the heart of Midtown and connects the District to surrounding neighborhoods.
• Local Gathering Place: Aspen Street is an emerging entertainment district that provides an accessible
alternative and alleviates peak demand pressure on downtown. Connecting Aspen Street, the BMX Park and the Fairgrounds
with targeted improvements creates an entertainment destination for the community.
Future Development:
As investment in the Midtown District occurs, it is anticipated that it will manifest in more modern design as opposed
to the more historic nature of the downtown district. Additionally, the wider width of North 7th Avenue will accommodate
larger scale buildings and make the pedestrian experience along the corridor
more inviting.
Midtown Action Plan
