Change is coming to north Main Avenue, and as developers look to build along the corridor, the city is asking property owners and residents to outline their vision for redevelopment.
Residents shared ideas for businesses, branding, public art and key areas for development at a workshop Thursday at the Durango Community Recreation Center. The public can also weigh in online until June 20.
Some would like to see a bowling alley, a theater and more retail shopping come to north Main. Others would like to see a more inviting street for pedestrians and designs that keep a buffer between buildings and the heavy traffic.
North Main Avenue is not as densely developed as downtown, and that has led to advantages such as better views of the mountains and more open space, said Carolyn Hunter, owner of Context Architecture.
“I think we want to preserve our advantages,” she said.
She would also like to see buildings set back from U.S. Highway 550. Her window is about 5 feet from the street and she doesn’t want others to share her experience.
“When the trucks go by, the building shakes,” she said.
The ideas shared will help shape regulations to guide new development, said Scott Shine, Durango’s planning manager.
The city has been focusing on encouraging more mixed-use development, and Shine pointed to Louisa’s Electronics at 22nd Street and Main Avenue that is still under construction as a recent success. The building will have two residential units above the retail store.
He told the crowd more construction is likely.
“North Main and Camino are facing a lot of interest from developers,” he said.
While redevelopment can be a slow process, Tim Wheeler was pleased to see progress exemplified in Louisa’s.
“The use of that empty lot is going to be better for the community,” he said.
He is also happy the city is encouraging investment within the city rather than fostering sprawl.
“This could be a really vibrant area for the city, and that could help everybody,” he said.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
Take the survey
To weigh in on how the city should develop, visit
http://durangogov.org/index.aspx?NID=815
.
More information about the city’s planning efforts can be found at
https://districts.durangogov.org
.
