Great Place to BE

There are two essential priorities for the future vitality of Downtown Meridian: 1) that the downtown environment be one that people would find as a Great Place to Be, and 2) that the infrastructure is designed to encourage people to go To rather than Through the downtown district. Developing Downtown with a true sense of place establishes the “ Great Place to Be.” Desirable characteristics for Meridian's city center should be that it is family oriented, attractive, accessible, livable, convenient, active, and fun. Toward these ends, design that emphasizes Discovery is strongly encouraged. Such an orientation would incorporate the arts, heritage interpretation, playful amenities (like pocket parks with intriguing children's playground equipment), science (e.g., facilities that respond to the weather – sculptures that move with the wind, respond to rain, or tap the sun), and places that encourage human connection (e.g., checkerboards embedded in tabletops at public parks).

The need for creative solutions to the traffic management issues has evolved as a top priority. Through traffic has become so heavy that it has severely impacted the pedestrian environment. With increased volumes of vehicles has come a decrease in revenue for many Downtown businesses. In short, there is a limit to the number of through-vehicles that makes Downtown viable as a business destination. That limit has been reached an exceeded.

Downtown must be a pedestrian priority area, where comfort and safety are substantial. Through traffic needs to be addressed in two ways. First, rerouting around the edge of Downtown for truly through-traffic is essential. Second, gateways to the Downtown need to be exceptionally inviting. Drivers should feel highly attracted to enter Downtown from the through-route to become pedestrians. These two objectives are both achievable.

Downtown Districts

To better appreciate this development system, take a Virtual Tour (PowerPoint) of the future Downtown Meridian. The tour provides a vision for each of the sub districts in terms of recommended integrated uses, densities, pedestrian environment and other dimensions recommended for each city center district in the Marketing Strategy. Photographs from real, successful communities were taken to reflect the character recommended here.

In summary, the Marketing Strategy responds to four key issues:

• Target markets, as defined by Market Research and Client Priorities
• Community values, as defined by participating citizens and leaders
• Competitive niche opportunities
• The special nature of the place of Downtown Meridian