Fresno Famous

Nothing going on

I'm sorry Cyrus, but I have to disagree. I always find something new and different to do, from great bands at ReFUSE to the poetry the other night at Revue to theatre or ReelPride. There's lots to do here in Fresno and it's not hard to find either. My grandma always told me that boring people got bored. If you haven't managed to find Creative Fresno, Woodward Shakespeare, the Tower, FLYP, or any of the other hundreds of organizations in the area, that's not on them, it's on you.

Kristin

Allowing the Life Vein to Thrive through Fulton

Many of us have heard stories of the great Fulton Street with all of its bustling activities. Of course this isn't referring to the present, as it's.. well.. more barren then not most of the time. In the past it had been the main vein of our beautiful Downtown Fresno, and was teaming with life, from dragging the strip to shops galore. I had talked to two people that had been around back then, when it was full of life, my parents. They had said that it use to be so busy down there, and once Fulton was transformed into a pedestrian mall, things started to transform. Shops began to close up shop and move elsewhere, that empowering eye to car, from car to eye factor was no longer thriving, and thus shops began to have less and less business. I feel that we could make it something of what it use to be and have heard many things being talked about in terms of transforming Fulton back into its previous state. I feel that this would be a big step to not only jump start the vein, but to get that Fresno blood pumping through it once again. I can envision Fulton street to be just like a downtown Santa Cruz but making it our very own, with cafes, nice restaurants, and even roof top hang outs. The potential is there, its just about taking the right action.

How do you guys propose we do it, what types of things do you think need to be added to make things more lively in downtown?

-Nick M.

Why Downtown Redevelopment is Important.

Many people in Fresno have a cynical view of downtown redevelopment. To many citizens it seems downtown Fresno is destined to fail. Because of this they don't see why politicians still try and push for redevelopment. On television and in the paper I always hear different plans on how to redevelop downtown, but rarely do I hear why. I decided to write a brief letter explaining why a strong downtown is important in order to justify redevelopment.

As a senior in recent month I have been trying to decide just exactly where I would like to live after college. I like Fresno, perhaps more than most, but I still plan to move either up north or down south (LA, San Jose, Oakland, etc.). The reason for this is more than simply the lack of jobs here in Fresno. It is much more than that. Fresno seems to lack many of the aspects that make a mediocre or good city great. We lack both a cultural center, and a variety of unique quality forms of entertainment all great cities have. At best we have an average night life. It seems that I often go to the same places and do the same things week after week. The variety and depth of entertainment is missing.

We also lack a cultural center. We don't have a part of town where young creative minds can meet and hang out. I have come to realize that it is often the creativity centers of cities that spur growth both financially and intellectually. A cultural center and nightlife come in many different forms, but they are most often associated with a strong downtown. With out a strong downtown many if not most of our most creative college graduates will flee this city in order to fulfill their creative needs. Often times it takes more than good ideas it takes a public understanding of why things need to change in order to get the ball rolling.

Cyrus Sirang

Save Mart Center is Killing Downtown Fresno

Perhaps it is a little far-fetched to claim that the Save Mart Center is killing downtown, but the construction of the Center on the Fresno State campus has definitely pulled traffic away from downtown Fresno. Before the Save Mart Center opened in 2003, the Fresno Falcons played all their home games at the Selland Arena in downtown, and the Fresno State’s Men’s basketball team would host their games in the downtown arena, seeing over 10 million visitors pass through its doors since its opening in 1966. In their final two seasons at the Selland Arena, the Falcons were setting attendance records, drawing approximately 200,000 people to the downtown area throughout the season. However, when the construction of the Save Mart Center was completed, the Falcons and Bulldogs games, as well as concerts, were moved from the city’s urban arena to the northeast side of town. Although the Save Mart Center is a beautiful arena and an exciting venue to attend events, it has pulled many entertainment-goers away from the heart of Fresno, thus hurting downtown businesses.

If the Save Mart Center had been built downtown rather than on the corner of Shaw and Chestnut, urban business would be thriving. Falcons games and Bulldogs basketball would still be downtown, increasing the consumer traffic to downtown businesses. Also the increased concerts that the aesthetics and amenities of the Save Mart Center has brought to Fresno, hosting acts from George Strait to Alan Jackson, Madonna to Elton John, and AC/DC to Kiss, would have been brought to downtown Fresno. This would also have created an increase in traffic on the streets of downtown Fresno.

The amount of people that the Save Mart Center could have brought to the downtown area would have made it the place to be. People would be driving to the area to attend events. Businesses would be flocking downtown to cater to these potential consumers. The increased “eyes on the street” that such a venue would create would also make downtown feel much safer to skeptical ones who believe the urban district is currently a crime-impacted area. Simply put, downtown Fresno would be a far better place had the Save Mart Center been developed in between the highway triangle rather than on the campus of Fresno State.

KP

A New Old Attraction

Like most cities around the country, Fresno's downtown is slowly being forgotten. At one point in time, downtown Fresno was the place to be and was known for its several attractions. However, nowadays things are very different and fun is very hard to find in downtown Fresno. Most business owners in that area can tell you happy and positive stories about how downtown used to be, but not many of them seem to be able to tell positive stories about how it is today. Can it be that downtown Fresno has lost its popular attractions for good?
The fact that most businesses around downtown Fresno shut their doors at five in the evening makes it very difficult for that area to develop a popular nightlife. There are a few businesses in the area that do stay open after 5 PM and continue to attract people during the evening hours, such as Heros and Club One. But for the most part, downtown Fresno is lacking attractions that will bring in people during the late hours. The answer to the problem is not necessarily to open a new, futuristic and modern business, but instead to go back to the basics; simple and effective methods.
Remember the days when people could go bowling whenever they needed a fun way to past time? Well nowadays, people can't go bowling in downtown Fresno even if they wanted to. Downtown Fresno needs a business that will attract people and provide them with fun late into the evening hours. What better business than a bowling alley? A bowling alley is a place where young and older people can spend time and have fun without worrying about having to leave home early. Bowling alleys are old, yet popular attractions; however, Fresno doesn't even seem to have one. Now is the time to go back to the basics and revitalize downtown Fresno's nightlife.
-Erik Teran

A happening downtown Fresno

Downtown Fresno is changing and it may one day become the thriving, happening place to be. Spending a lot of time in the area recently, has made me take notice to a few things that suggest our downtown is moving in the right direction.
Living in Fresno and growing up in West Fresno has allowed for the opportunity to experience downtown through many of its changes during the last thirty years. As a youth, I enjoyed shopping at big brand stores like J.C. Penney and Gottschalks, now it is the swap mall on the Fulton mall and courthouse park that are the main attractions downtown. That is what I thought, until I began going to Art hop; eating at Joe’s steakhouse, Hero’s, Smokehouse, and Tokyo Garden; watching free movies at Eaton plaza; playing blackjack at Club One after watching my high school alma mater (Edison High) beat a valley opponent at Chukchansi park. Spending more time downtown has exposed what is happening, what will happen, and what can happen in downtown Fresno. The opportunities are endless and the current administrations’ genuine effort to change the culture in the area is impressive.
A major change in its culture is that people are actually starting businesses in the area for reasons other than cheap rent. Business owners’ can see the vision that is finally within view for downtown Fresno. Can you see it! A Fulton Street (not Fulton mall), lofts, condos, stores without security bars and tinted windows, patio dining, nightlife until four in the morning, many restaurants and sport bars, small parks and people walking around or exercising in them, festivals, carnivals, car shows and much more. Downtown Fresno is most definitely going the right way and maybe, with a consistent effort for continuous improvement, its culture will become very attractive to all, and not just loyalists that work or live in the area.

Downtown Revitalization

Downtown revitalization is looking up in Fresno. The Grizzly Stadium has supported downtown by attracting many people to venture out there. Events like Art Hop and re:Fuse have targeted young people and brought diversity in the people who are starting to visit downtown. Concerts in the theaters have also played a part in marketing our downtown. People who come and enjoy their downtown also do their part in bringing others.

I have recently discovered our downtown and have enjoyed learning about it. Mostly I am excited about the changes that are already taking place and how visible the revitalization is. Kern Street is a beautiful example. It is nice to walk around and have lunch; it really makes you feel like you are in a city. Everything about the street is inviting to businesses and people walking around. This is a preview of what the rest of our downtown could be.

I am eager to see the future of our downtown. I am optimistic about the possibilities. As for now, I will continue to visit downtown and discover other events where I could bring my family and friends. I was someone who could never go downtown without getting lost. Now I feel like I can’t stop talking about it and want to go any chance I get it really is an adventure that Fresno residents can experience. It is the people of Fresno who will make our downtown.

Monica K. Gomez

What went wrong?

What went wrong?

Speaking to several business owners and Fresno natives, I have discovered that at some point Fresno’s downtown was the “It” place, the place to be, but those days are long gone.

What went wrong?

It is obvious that many things have gone wrong with Fresno’s Downtown. Perhaps the most obvious is the layout of the area; it is so difficult to get around. The one way streets that deviate the traffic to undesired destinations, the Fulton Mall which is also very hard to get around, the safety misconception that our people have toward downtown where many would not dare walk its streets after 5 pm when the majority of the businesses are already closed, the lack of pride some of the business owners have toward downtown, the lack of a night life, etc. The list could go on and on, but why don’t we just work with what we already have and make Downtown Fresno, the place to be all over again?
We should try and visit downtown more often and prove to ourselves that downtown is not an unsafe place and why not? Enjoy the cuisine served in the restaurants and the architecture that many historic buildings have. Commerce in downtown is directly affected by the lack of people and many businesses are forced to close down due to this problem. It is also important for businesses owners to collaborate together and take pride in downtown. In my opinion, There are a great number of vacant buildings, for those people thinking of starting a new business in downtown, it would be a good idea to have lots of windows in the façade of the building, but windows that allow people to see in and out, as this gives a sense of security for those walking down the street. It is obvious that in order for downtown to be what it used to be, more entertainment and night life activities need to be available; there needs to be a destination point. Currently, downtown lacks this destination point, but it is great to know that many people are now focusing more on downtown and are willing to invest their money to make it what is used to be, the “It” place.

O.F.

Where is the excitement in Downtown Fresno?

I know every first Thursday of the month Downtown Fresno host Art Hop. Other than Art Hop and some festivals or events, where can I find some excitement?

My Profile:
• 23 year old college student
• single
• Own two businesses
• Like rock, country, hip hop, reggae, and rap
• Like to drink occasionally
• I go out to network and to hang out with friends

Currently there isn’t attraction for me to go to Downtown Fresno. So how can Downtown Fresno attract a 23 year-old college student?
• Reduce the number of one-way streets
• Get rid of the dilapidated building like the one near “Hero’s”
• Gut out Fulton mall and make it into a two way street. Then fill the Fulton Mall with interesting shops, good food, music, and clubs or bars.
• Create more awareness about free parking
• More street vendors
• Run shuttles from Fresno State

Honestly if Downtown Fresno doesn’t change some things then I’m not going to Downtown Fresno other than to pay a traffic tickets.

Downtown Fresno has a lot of potential but it is going to need a collection of businesses to revitalize Downtown Fresno in a short period of time (1-5 years).

Downtown is the Heart!

Recently I have found myself spending a lot of time in Downtown Fresno. Before two months ago I had never even been Downtown unless I made a wrong turn. We have all heard the rumors that Downtown is not a safe place or that there is nothing to do there. I can tell you that safety has never been a concern since I've been spending time there. There are also plenty of great restaurants to eat at and stores to shop. Fresno's Downtown is on the verge of becoming a place where people want to be. It will soon be full of more places to shop, eat, and party with friends. What do we need to do to make this happen you ask? We need to take pride in our city and especially our Downtown. We need to spread the word that it's acceptable to spend time and money Downtown. Currently, there are many investors helping to restore Downtown. Only few see the future of what Downtown's potential can be. Go check it out for yourself and you will see.
-AED

Downtown Fresno

Downtown districts, in my opinion, are the center for an immense amount of community activity, or at one point it was and it is now a slum or ‘bad part’ or town. Most downtown areas that I have seen in different cities have become nothing more than just an eye sore. They look run down and not inviting to the slightest degree. On the other hand, I have seen nice downtown districts, however it is very rare. So I have thought about this question at length on a couple of occasions…how would I define Fresno’s downtown?
The city of Fresno has a downtown that has extreme potential. It can easily, once again, become a hot spot for the Fresno community. There are multiple locations that are available that can spark revitalization and attraction. The downtown area has great history involved with the age of the buildings, the former uses of the buildings and the people that have come to them and visited. It has the capability of hosting sporting events, plays, concerts, comedy acts, conventions and seminars. The only thing missing is the drive of individuals to host such events in Fresno’s downtown. Fresno has been home to many influential people that encompass a wide range of professions and capabilities. These individuals, I’m sure, would be more than happy to see such attractions in downtown. However, downtown is simply not the hot spot and ‘cool’ place to do it. Also, the downtown area is not very accommodating for extremely large amounts of people. Streets lead into one ways, or dead ends that just take you back to where you just were. It is extremely frustrating trying to navigate the area. Furthermore, the parking system in Fresno’s downtown is horrendous. If you’re lucky enough to find an available meter, you can drop your change and hope that you are leaving in 2 hours before your limit is up. If you happen to stay longer, you run the eminent risk of getting a ticket from one of our fabulous members of the Fresno PD. These two frustrating factors are small in the grand scheme of things, but they are major inconveniences that potentially cause the area to be undesirable.
I have grown to enjoy some of the areas of Fresno’s downtown. In the mind of an entrepreneur, like mine, I see great potential a bright future for the area. However, at that this given time, I feel that there is not much to offer in terms of attraction. For that reason, I define the Fresno downtown area as undesirable piece of history that is just waiting to be unleashed and thrown back into everyday usage.

Downtown Revitalization

Downtown Fresno was once a thriving part of the city. Now many people only go downtown if they have to pay for a traffic ticket. What happened? If you have visited other cities where the downtown area is the attraction such as San Antonio or Dallas, it is very obvious what the difference is….people. Thriving downtowns have large amounts of foot traffic day and night. This is the problem with Fresno’s downtown; no one wants to go there.
Fresno must make our downtown area a place that Fresno wants to visit. As of right now Fresno has no attraction to draw all of Fresno downtown. This is where entrepreneurs, city officials and concerned citizens step in to help revitalize downtown Fresno. The Fulton Mall needs entrepreneurs to open business like restaurants, night clubs and cafes to help draw crowds there. Right now the Fulton Mall has little in the way of those types of businesses. The Fulton Mall is also very hard to go to due to the poor layout of the mall and the confusing streets. Though, if there were an attraction there people would bear to deal with the confusion of the design. As a community, Fresno needs to revitalize its downtown to return to the days when Fresno was on top of California.
Mia Enos

Hope for Downtown

A Time for Change in Downtown
As a Fresno native, I was brought up to think that downtown Fresno was dark, creepy, and not to go there by myself at night. What is wrong with downtown? What happened that now it has distain with the name when only a few decades ago this place was the pulse of the Fresno heart? Or is there really anything “wrong” with downtown? Perhaps it is the mindset of the public that has changed. These days people are easier led to thoughts of “there is nothing downtown” and it is “scary”. Yes it is true that people and businesses are moving up north and apparently there is nothing south of Shaw Avenue worth checking out. However, places like River Park and the Champlain/Perrin area lack something that downtown has the potential to be such as a place of true community and that good old “downtown” vibe. Our downtown has all of the makings and the potential of a great place to work with newly renovated office space, a great place to live with expansive new lofts, and a great place to go and discover diverse entertainment. The Fulton Mall is the first of many places to begin revitalizing with more locally owned shops, restaurants, bars or nightclubs, and incorporates a two lane street for cars and taxis to easily cruise with patrons looking for their next adventure. The Cultural Arts District is where Fresno’s own artists gather to network, create and display their works for all to appreciate and share their true passion. Chinatown is the one of the greatest displays of ethnic diversity and is unfortunately slowly withering away with a lack of interest, vision and support from Fresno consumers. I believe that downtown can truly become a remarkable place made that way by people who believe in making a difference, have passion for the roots of Fresno and who are persistent in achieving their goals.
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” -Mahatma Gandhi

-Lauren H.

Homeless People and Pigeons

What kind of downtown shuts down by 5pm? If you have ever been to Downtown Fresno after 5pm then you know precisely what I am talking about. After that, the only remaining occupants you will find there are homeless people and pigeons.

So why aren't people flocking in for dinner, clubs or entertainment? Because all the places are closed or just nonexistent! Why are they closed or nonexistent? Because there are no people! Why are there no people? Okay, I think you get the point. So here comes the million-dollar question, what do we need to do to prime this pump and get the people flowing?

Well here's a start:

1. Help people to realize that Downtown Fresno is not a scary place.
   In the words of Jane Jacobs, we need more "eyes on the street." This is as simple as having more open windows on storefronts without closed blinds or dark window tinting. When people walking down the street know that other people inside are watching, they feel more at ease.
2. Parking and transportation.
   Parking meters are such a hassle and parking garages are always so far away. We need some sort of "pedicab" or shuttle service in place to take people from the parking structures to their destinations. Restaurants and businesses can offer "parking ticket validations" to wave the parking fees, making downtown parking nightmares a thing of the past.
3. More nightlife and events.
   There simply isn't enough currently there to make it worth while for people to come from across town. Sure there is a baseball stadium and a few restaurants, but what we really need is a whole plethora of attractions to open up at once to kick start this process and get people used to the area, turning it into THE place to hang out.

The list could go on and on, but with these implementations in place it would be enough to get people to come downtown, stay downtown (later than 5pm) and start spending money.

Downtown Fear!

Recently I have been spending time downtown Fresno and have been very surprised. What is surprising is that everything I have ever heard from Fresno citizens is not true. All I have ever heard was that downtown was a dangerous place that is filled with homeless people.

What I have come to learn is that people who have never been downtown have no idea of what is down there. Yet these people all have the same idea in their head and have passed this idea along to other people. This has effected downtown in a major way. Due to the fact that people are scared to go downtown, downtown Fresno seems to have gone through a period of neglect from its citizens. It is not this dangerous place that people make it out to be. In fact, downtown Fresno has many different things to do. You can go and view the beautiful art and beautiful historic buildings. There is great food and great breweries for people to enjoy and try out. If people would just take the time to experience the many things to do downtown instead of believing what they hear, I believe that they will also be surprised. Don’t just believe what everyone tells you; experience it for yourself!

-Thomas Flores

Downtown's vacant buildings

Although Fresno has been moving in the right direction towards its necessary revitalization, it still has a long way to go. With restaurants like Hero’s, Joe’s Steakhouse, and Tokyo Gardens providing delicious food to the public, and Club One providing 24 hour entertainment for adults, Fresno’s downtown is constantly gaining strength. However, if growth from new businesses, that support the existing, does not continue then these businesses may very well follow their predecessors and have to shut down.

To combat this problem that has plagued downtown Fresno for the last decade, a strategic plan must be put into affect. These businesses will not be able to survive long without the support of new businesses, events, or pastime activities to increase downtown foot-traffic. However, this movement of support cannot be made blindly but must be made strategically; otherwise the new businesses are once again likely to face the same problems as businesses before them. Therefore, I propose that a downtown marketing committee be formed.

The committee should be comprised of and supported by downtown businesses. The purpose of the committee would be to unify the businesses, and focus their current marketing efforts on common marketing campaigns that would equally support all contributing businesses. Additionally, the committee would be able to address and supplement weaknesses in the market. By doing this, not only would it raise awareness for Fresno’s downtown community and help build up the market’s infrastructure, but it would also provide an easy way for Fresno’s general community to plan an evening of dining and activities. Thusly, downtown businesses and traffic would grow making the revitalization process faster and easier.

Downtown Revitilization

Hi I am an entrepreneurship student at Fresno State graduating in Spring 2010, I am not from around Fresno and I think that you guys have a diamond in the rough regarding your downtown. I hear all these crazy things about it from wannabe "classy" suburbia people, I have been there plenty of times with friends and even more times with a CLASS: Urban Entrepreneurship with Craig Scharton. That place needs some people who actually have money, (not wannabes from suburbia) and vision to revitalize it. Is there anyone out there?? I know I am going to start downtown with a venture. If anyone has not been downtown go check out the restuarants please, go check out the buildings and architecture, you will be suprised. A healthy city needs a healthy downtown, talk to the business owners and ask them if its safe down there, hear what they say.

Public Market

I think it is a great idea to have a public market in downtown Fresno. Think about it, we are a central hub for agriculture. The produce would be amazing and we have so many different cultures that could set up little shops or restaurants for people to enjoy and experience something unique and special. The only problem is that having a public market isn't going to fix downtown Fresno. Downtown Fresno needs a complete makeover, yes there are cool places to go if you know about them in downtown Fresno, but most people are too scared to even go down there. For some reason there is a horrible pre-conception that it is dangerous and scary there, like once you get out of your car you will be immediately robbed and left for dead. It is not like that at all though, the business owners are so nice and want downtown Fresno to be revitalized and successful. Downtown Fresno needs a reason for people to go there and stay, the public market would help, but it also needs bars/restaurants, shops, and other stores for people to go to besides the market. Downtown Fresno needs a lot of help, money, and support but hopefully in the near future it can be as awesome as other famous cities downtown districts.
-JWF