BACKGROUND
Since the Washington Square streetscape improvements were undertaken in the late 1990s/early 2000s, the commercial neighborhood node has been revitalized and experienced vibrant, relatively stable business activities.
Building on the streetscape improvements, the commercial neighborhood node has seen additional interest and opportunities over the last two decades, and especially in the last 3 years:
- Undertaken a 2005 Washington Square District Enhancement Study to give guidance on potential façade improvements;
- Existing vacancies or redevelopment opportunities;
- New planning and zoning initiatives (e.g. Non-Motorized Plan, Washington Square Form-Based Code, South Shore Village);
- New property owners and tenants who have given new energy to the reinvigorated Washington Square Business Improvement District (BID) Board (e.g. The Galleria, PAX CoWorking Studio, Jhomary’s Paradise, Wilson Dance Studio, Plant Lab, 453 Washington Ave, 431 Washington Ave);
- Desire by City of Holland and the Washington Square BID Board to refresh the commercial neighborhood node.
The recent momentum and renewed beginnings of a public-private partnership vehicle in the Washington Square BID Board presents an opportunity to enable a collaborative approach in the stewardship of this commercial neighborhood node and its surrounding neighborhood.
The draft vision, concepts, and potential implementation strategies will be shared at a community open house later in May. If you are unable to attend the early listening workshop to gather ideas, please join us then to provide your feedback!