from staff
Downtown Vision Inc. reported its midyear summary, covering January through July.
Among its major initiatives:
• Improved Downtown Ambassador Program. In February, DVI outsourced the Ambassador Program to Service Group Inc., which provides safety, cleanliness and hospitality services to 20 other downtowns around the country. DVI said services have been increased to Downtown property owners and visitors, including litter and graffiti removal, weed abatement, pressure washing and cleaning of public fixtures and increased safety and hospitality patrols throughout the Downtown Improvement District.
• Increased Advocacy. DVI re-leased “Turning the Corner: Rethinking and Remaking Downtown” in March, outlining eight principles focused on improving Downtown. Chief among them was the focus on increased activities and investment in the core Downtown. Principles also addressed funding, leadership, maintenance, parking and other issues. DVI said it continued to work with City Council, the Mayor’s Office, civic and community leaders and the public about “what it will take to turn Downtown around.”
• Activating Vacant Retail Space. DVI has been working with the Mayor’s Office, the Cultural Council and Downtown property owners to place artists in vacant retail spaces under the Off the Grid program, which is a program to activate vacant retail space with temporary art galleries and working studios. The goal is to increase activity Downtown. DVI said that as of July, 12 new art galleries opened Downtown through Off the Grid. In July, DVI and the Cultural Council partnered with seven property owners to host an open house with 15 more vacant spaces to be used as studios and galleries. More than 40 artists attended.
• Leadership and Partnership. DVI continues to work with the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Jacksonville Civic Council, NAIOP and others to continue working toward a vital downtown, particularly reducing office vacancies.
• Promoting Nightlife. DVI said almost 15 nightlife venues operate in Downtown. DVI has branded the nightlife district “The Core” and is working to promote it. Participating bars report a 20 to 25 percent increase in revenues during promotions of the district.
DVI also reported that it fulfilled more than 300 requests for information from Downtown stakeholders, prospective investors, partners and others. It also resolved more than 200 requests for service or assistance from Downtown stakeholders on issues including complaints about illegal dumping and campsites as well as code enforcement and marketing support for Downtown retailers.