Creating walkable, urban, human-centered neighborhoods in the Granary District.

Granary District Block Party!!

So, I've been thinking that it would be a great idea to put on a Block Party for the Granary District. An event that will highlight local businesses and assets of the district to spur local investment and growth. I've been messing around with a mission statement and it looks something like this ...

With successful local businesses, a planned streetcar and visionary property owners, The Granary District is ripe for growth and investment. Our mission for the Block Party is to create a temporary
environment where one can visualize a place where people live, work and
play while incorporating local music, art and food to activate and
create a destination for the Block Party. We want to highlight the
local businesses and existing assets to showcase The District to city
officials, investors, citizens, and neighbors to spur local investment
and growth in an underutilized area that’s so close to downtown.

Please click here for an earlier post explaining the idea in more detail plus a great video of a similar event. I've already thrown the idea around with some businesses and property owners in the District and they all seem very excited about the idea. Brandon Garcia of the Utah Pickle Co has been extremely supportive and I think the best location for the party would be on 400 West between 700 and 800 South in front of the Pickle Co and across the street. We could create a temporary, lively neighborhood here with cafés, food stands, music, buskers and other events that capture the feel of a mixed-use, urban, diverse neighborhood.

These are just some ideas I've been thinking about, but I'd like to shoot for the beginning of April to host the party.

That gives us some time to make this Block Party amazing and a foundation for community involvement and investment to start implementing collective ideas and projects in the District. I'm already looking for small grants to give us something to work with. Any grant suggestions/ leads?

What do you all think about the idea? Mission statement? What would you like to see take place/ be a part of the party?

Tags: Block, Party

Comment by BreAnne McConkie on September 8, 2010 at 5:02pm: I love the idea! I'm in, let me know how I can help! -BreAnne

Comment by James Alfandre on September 8, 2010 at 6:11pm: Glad to know you're on board, BreAnne! I'm going to have an introductory meeting beginning of October with all vendors and stakeholders, so I'll keep you posted with that. Meanwhile, feel free to post some ideas that you have about the Block Party here so we can all collaborate.

Comment by Jennifer Hamilton on September 8, 2010 at 11:19pm: Here is a simple idea...string lights across the street!! Creates a very enchanting feel...though if you have the street car running that may not work, in that case...just string lights from building fronts to the edge of the sidewalk, similar affect :-) \

Looking forward to helping with this project!!!

Comment by Jordan Hansen on September 9, 2010 at 11:19pm: Wait till May when the evenings are warmer. Invite some local musicians. Highlight a few local chefs. Have food donated by some of the local vendors. (Hit up Sir Granato? :)! Invite some of the local philanthropists and the local architechure/design build crews. Don't forget the hors d'oeuvres and chocolate samples from downtown shops.

Comment by James Alfandre on September 10, 2010 at 5:58pm: Great ideas, Jordan. I think you're right on about the local vendors. Now I wonder who could provide the love music.

Comment by Jordan Hansen on September 12, 2010 at 2:49am: I know someone. She's incredible. If you do it in May I'll help :)

Comment by James Alfandre on September 14, 2010 at 4:55pm: My arm is twisting!!

Comment by Jennifer Hamilton on September 14, 2010 at 6:36pm: I like May too!!! Ready to say uncle! ;-)

Comment by Keri Williams on October 21, 2010 at 8:36pm: First comment here-- but LOVE the idea of a Granary Block Party and I'm with Breanne-- IN! When are you doing more tours??

Comment by James Alfandre on October 26, 2010 at 1:55pm: Hey Keri! Welcome to the group! We can have another tour when we have our into meeting for the Block Party. I'm still trying to figure out a date that will work with everyone and The Utah Pickle Factory. I'll have a date by the end of the week.

Granary District Block Party!!

You need to be a member of The Granary District to add comments!