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Phase Four of downtown renovation has begun on Maine St. from Stillwater to Front Street. Construction is expected to be complete by mid-June. The project will provide for pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, landscaping, improved parking, and brick, paving, and street lights to blend in with past renovations and street treatments on Maine St.
Downtown Fallon has been rejuvenated with this ongoing renovation project that has seen completion of phases one and two along Maine St. from Williams Ave. to Stillwater Ave., and along Center St. from Carson St. east to W. Park St., creating an arts corridor all the way to Oats Park. Downtown Fallon sports wide, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, street furniture, street lights, and landscaping, a signature fountain on Maine St., and indications that Center St. was part of the original Lincoln Highway.
Improvements to downtown play a key role in Fallon’s future. Not only does a renewed infrastructure encourage private business to invest downtown, it also helps create reasons for visitors and residents alike to go downtown. Reestablishing downtown as a community gathering place allows Fallon to preserve what many communities have lost through urban sprawl and unfocused growth. And new streetscapes are creating new tourism opportunities for Fallon.
There are several things that happen when you create pedestrian-friendly settings and streets with curb appeal. Friendly streets with curb appeal encourage people to stop. Ninety-seven percent of visits to rural areas are by private vehicle such as cars, RV’s, motorcycles. Therefore, it is imperative that Fallon encourages people to stop by providing a downtown core where visitors feel safe, welcome, and at home.
Intermodal transportation projects that encourage investment by the private sector to bring shopping, dining and other entertainment businesses downtown are working. Investing in “curb appeal” is key to this. Curb appeal investment has a great “return on investment.” First impressions create lasting impressions and state what you have to offer. Landscaping, flowers, benches, wide sidewalks, etc. cannot be underestimated in their ability to lure visitors because visitors are attracted to attractive communities. Curb appeal transcends tourism. It’s the most powerful economic tool.
One of the benefits that redevelopment and future projects bring with them is the creation of a synergy among diverse community stake holders. This synergy creates enthusiasm and nothing great is ever accomplished without enthusiasm.
Some of the stakeholders include downtown businesses (did you know that 90% of tourism businesses across the country are small businesses), City of Fallon, Churchill County Museum, the Churchill Arts Council, Chamber of Commerce, Fallon Convention & Tourism Authority, CEDA, and there are numerous others, including the residents of Fallon and Churchill County.
The residents of the City and County are important stake holders for a number of reasons. But, residents are also an important component for tourism visits. One of the top reasons for travel is to visit friends and family. Everything that can be done to make downtown a safe, beautiful, worthwhile and social destination for residents will encourage those residents to bring visiting family and friends downtown. This will invigorate community pride that will spill over onto visitors and others in the community.
The new “Millennium Park” at the northeast corner of Williams Ave. and Maine St. is now complete. The park creates a striking landmark at the center of town greeting travelers coming through, and enjoyed by residents year round. This jewel at the gateway to downtown includes a clock tower, shade trees, greenery, benches, and an informational kiosk. Adjoining the park is the new Courtyard Café which is sure to be a popular place to pick up a box lunch to eat in the park. |
