Gilbert's Heritage District has grown into a destination spot for dining.(Photo: Michael Schennum / The Republic)
Downtown Scottsdale and Tempe have enjoyed buzz for decades. Now downtown Gilbert is receiving it. When did the renaissance begin?
There has often been a lengthy-term commitment to make sure the profitable redevelopment of the Heritage District. In truth, more than 20 years, Gilbert has reinvested in land, infrastructure, buildings, parks and other improvements. Through restaurants like Joe’s BBQ, Liberty Market and Oregano’s, momentum in the Heritage District has been developing for years.
Then the recession hit. Post-recession, the renaissance and growth was sparked once again when Postino East opened in 2012. From the moment it opened, Postino skilled a substantially higher volume of sales per-square-foot, which eventually demonstrated to other restaurants examining a place in the East Valley that Gilbert was the spot to be. Of course, the renaissance continues with the opening of Gilbert’s very first larger-education institution, Saint Xavier University, in the Heritage District.
What is the evidence downtown Gilbert is thriving?
Pay a visit to Gilbert on practically any day of the week. The restaurants have a wait time — and not just at lunch and dinner but through the day. It is always bustling. Gilbert continues to see an raise in requests from the improvement neighborhood to acquire Gilbert-owned land for improvement. Far more than 5 new restaurants have opened their doors in just the past year.
Is downtown Gilbert drawing patrons from beyond the town itself?
The activity in the location demonstrates the Heritage District’s ability to pull individuals hunting for an exceptional expertise from other East Valley communities because of its place and amenities. Also, we believe that there is a wonderful deal of interest in seeing the light rail come to downtown Gilbert to offer greater ease of access.
What are some of the crucial components of the downtown that make it a magnet?
The density of the Heritage District tends to make it pedestrian friendly and the mass of locally distinctive restaurants in 1 location gives several selections for a exceptional encounter. The Water Tower Plaza is a distinctive gathering space supplying events, concerts and a splash pad park. They also hold concerts, public art installations, an art stroll, farmer’s market and gallery shows. The downtown is clean, safe and family members-friendly. Parking is also close, accessible and no cost.
How is Gilbert preserving its history as it develops its downtown?
John Lewis (Photo: handout)
The Heritage District has a extremely exceptional appear and feel to it. A substantial amount of operate was accomplished by employees and leadership to guarantee that design and style guidelines were established to market the continuity of the historic character of the downtown. There was also a considerable investment produced to restore the water tower plaza to preserve its history and water supply.
Some Gilbert residents, including 1 who writes for this newspaper, have complained that downtown is so preferred (and crowded) they keep away. What do you say to people like that?
The reality that the Heritage District is busy and common shows that the developments and investments produced into the Heritage District have been the appropriate ones. That stated, it also implies that we have to have to continue developing inside purpose, guarantee we have ample parking, ease of access and present entertainment for visitors.
What is the bigger vision for downtown Gilbert. What can it come to be?
As the symbolic center of the neighborhood, we feel of the Heritage District as the community’s household area a location exactly where residents and visitors alike congregate to enjoy the entrepreneurial restaurants, retail, entertainment, finding out and arts and culture developments. This will continue to be the heart of the community and a clean and protected location for households to gather. We also want to be sure we are generating decisions nowadays that will last for decades to come.
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