The Owensboro Magazine 2009

COMMUNITY John Slis sits in the shade of a tree while sending pictures of boats on the Ohio River to his family with his cell phone during his lunch break at Smothers Park next to the RiverPark Center. “I’m trying to sell my house in Atlanta and transfer the family permanently here,” Slis said. “It’s so peaceful on the river. My wife said she wishes she was here next to me.” Economic Development through Placemaking By Libby Johnson Owensboro Economic Development Corp. in conjunction with the Downtown Development Authority have proposed an aggressive implementation initiative for the future Like many cities across America of the region. The “Economic Development through in the latter part of the 20th century, Placemaking” initiative will help Owensboro began to sprawl. That sprawl, which make Owensboro competitive in the race for talent included strip malls and big box stores, minimized the role and investment in the coming years. The downtown played in residents lives. These days, throughout the ability to live, work and play country, cities and towns are trying to revitalize “Main Street.” As far without having as this trend goes, Owensboro is ahead of the game and holds to drive from place to place a home field advantage advantage. is appealing to young and old alike. A combination of amenities such as restaurants, owntown Owensboro has never stopped alternatives to the chain restaurants located entertainment and modern conveniences creates a situation of livability. The desire for being a destination, due in large elsewhere in town. part to the RiverPark Center. Owensboro’s “home field advantage” is livability spans generations, but is especially Each year, the center plays host to six Broad- one of its unique assets – the Ohio River. appealing to the under-30 crowd. “Downtowns are the new amenities that way productions, the International Mystery Not only does the Ohio create a picturesque Writers Festival, numerous plays and local setting for downtown, Owensboro is in a fa- professionals expect,” says Fred Reeves, performances, and the annual holiday attrac- vorable placement on the river. Its elevation downtown development director. “It’s where tion that is Winter Wonderland. Addition- prevents downtown from being vulnerable to a variety of people would like to live.” In November 2008, a downtown package ally, the International Bluegrass Museum, the floods. Owensboro Museum of Science and History The river is the central feature in creat- of projects designed by the Gateway Planand the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra ing a sense of place downtown. That sense ning Group (based in Fort Worth, Texas) was are located downtown. Several local eateries of place, or placemaking, is about attracting revealed. The plan, which will integrate with provide unique dining experiences and offer people with attractive places. The Greater the more than $40 million riverfront redevel- D 24 OWENSBORO 2009

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of The Owensboro Magazine 2009

The Owensboro 2009 From our Chair Contents Buffalo Trace Brings History to Owensboro Environmental Education Blooms in the Garden Owensboro Arts and Cultural Events Making the Grade Building Opportunity In the Swim Economic Development through Placemaking Sister Cities brings International Benefits Embracing Innovation to spur Economic Development Creating a Pool of Skilled Workers Expanding Transportation Options One-Stop Business Licensing Robot Doctor Building a Locally-Based Food Economy Welcome to the Neighborhood Luxury Living on the River Moving In Trendy Excursions Evolves with the Times The Crème Brews Comfort Downtown Growing with the Community Family Business Boasts Longevity, Good Barbecue Entrepreneurial Spirit Comes Home Capturing the Broadway Market Ministering to Church Leaders Community at-a-Glance By the Numbers Dining & Catering Guide Advertiser Index

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