As part of the Business Development Program for the Village, the consultant, Kennedy Smith of the Clue Group, recommended that a program be developed to encourage a more light-hearted atmosphere in the area.
Smith suggested that storefronts in the Village become more animated and we find ways to create everyday ephemera to enliven the environment and the experience in visiting the area. The strategy is being implemented in various ways through public and private partnerships and business and Village enhancement programs.
The city's Redevelopment Agency is coordinating with various art groups to create opportunities for temporary art displays in the Village, such as the recently unveiled Art Surf program sponsored by the new Carlsbad Village Improvement Partnership. Murals were painted by local artists that are displayed on store windows in the Village, and a treasure hunt was held to encourage a tour of this temporary art venue. It was a big hit.
The agency also recently agreed to partner with New Village Arts Theatre to develop additional art programs and provide incubator-type assistance through donated use of the agency-owned property at 2787 State St. We know this will be a big hit as well.
The agency also is encouraging and supporting the Carlsbad Village Business Association's efforts to create fun in the Village by honoring various holidays with activities, including the recent Plant a Flower Day.
A Lighten Up program is being developed by the agency to encourage business and property owners to provide additional lighting in their windows and building exteriors.
It also will help them animate their storefronts to create a more light-hearted and brighter Village area. The program also may include public improvements related to enhanced lighting within public areas for the Village.
Several months ago, the agency hosted a workshop where a retail consultant provided helpful tips on attracting more customers through enhanced storefront displays and store improvements.
To help enhance the business climate, the agency will be recommending approval of funding within the next couple of months for a grant program to help with costs associated with desired improvements. The grant program also will include free consultant analysis of individual stores to help businesses prepare a plan for future improvements.
The effort to Lighten Up the Village needs to be a true private and public partnership to be successful. Village businesses and supporting organizations are in the best position to implement this effort and make it flourish.
The agency's role is to be supportive and try to assist where appropriate. If you have suggestions for the Lighten Up program or have ideas on additional private-public partnerships to implement this program, contact the Housing and Redevelopment Department at (760) 434-2815.
Smith suggested that storefronts in the Village become more animated and we find ways to create everyday ephemera to enliven the environment and the experience in visiting the area. The strategy is being implemented in various ways through public and private partnerships and business and Village enhancement programs.
The city's Redevelopment Agency is coordinating with various art groups to create opportunities for temporary art displays in the Village, such as the recently unveiled Art Surf program sponsored by the new Carlsbad Village Improvement Partnership. Murals were painted by local artists that are displayed on store windows in the Village, and a treasure hunt was held to encourage a tour of this temporary art venue. It was a big hit.
The agency also recently agreed to partner with New Village Arts Theatre to develop additional art programs and provide incubator-type assistance through donated use of the agency-owned property at 2787 State St. We know this will be a big hit as well.
The agency also is encouraging and supporting the Carlsbad Village Business Association's efforts to create fun in the Village by honoring various holidays with activities, including the recent Plant a Flower Day.
A Lighten Up program is being developed by the agency to encourage business and property owners to provide additional lighting in their windows and building exteriors.
It also will help them animate their storefronts to create a more light-hearted and brighter Village area. The program also may include public improvements related to enhanced lighting within public areas for the Village.
Several months ago, the agency hosted a workshop where a retail consultant provided helpful tips on attracting more customers through enhanced storefront displays and store improvements.
To help enhance the business climate, the agency will be recommending approval of funding within the next couple of months for a grant program to help with costs associated with desired improvements. The grant program also will include free consultant analysis of individual stores to help businesses prepare a plan for future improvements.
The effort to Lighten Up the Village needs to be a true private and public partnership to be successful. Village businesses and supporting organizations are in the best position to implement this effort and make it flourish.
The agency's role is to be supportive and try to assist where appropriate. If you have suggestions for the Lighten Up program or have ideas on additional private-public partnerships to implement this program, contact the Housing and Redevelopment Department at (760) 434-2815.