New look and new wheels at Downtown Vision

News

Staff Writer

Downtown Vision Inc.’s headquarters at Hogan and Adams streets had a low-key presence. That changed this week with the installation of bold window graphics that also tell some of Downtown’s story.

Marketing consulting and communications firm Burdette Ketchum designed the graphics, which feature the work of photographer Tiffany Manning. The images depict some of Downtown’s signature events, including the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, and examples of the urban core’s landmark architecture on the Northbank and Southbank. Other elements promote Downtown Vision’s Web and mobile sites.

“It’s a way to introduce some color and vibrancy to the streetscape and that’s what we want,” said DVI Director of Marketing Pamela Elms. “It’s also a way to let people know where we are.”

Elms said the new look was inspired by last year’s Holiday Windows campaign. The “Downtown bubbles” initiative that placed informational graphics on windows and sidewalks throughout the Business Improvement District added more impetus for an appearance upgrade. That led to the new look that’s bright and bold when seen from the sidewalk, but virtually invisible when you’re inside the building.

“The biggest decision was what images to use for the graphics,” said Elms. “We decided to go with some of the things that make Downtown special.”

Meanwhile, the Downtown Ambassadors acquired new industrial-strength cleaning equipment when Service Group Inc. began managing the visitor-assistance and streetscape improvement program in February. This week, an electric utility vehicle designed to transport the sidewalk scrubber, 40-gallon outdoor sweeper and 185-gallon pressure washer went into service.

The vehicle has a 3,000-pound capacity, a top speed of 18 miles per hour and can travel up to 30 miles before it needs a recharge. It’s designed to be used on sidewalks, but its size will make it easy to park near cleaning sites, said DVI Director of District Services Amy Harrell.

“It will help make our operations more efficient,” she said.