newsletter

Downtown Update

Parking… Made Easy Downtown

With racers and race fans converging on Duluth’s Downtown Waterfront this weekend for Grandma’s Marathon, it’s a good time to remind individuals about the wide array of parking options and connections.

Parking will be more limited at the DECC due to the exciting construction of the arena and parking ramp. Besides the lots at Bayfront, parking is also available at nine ramps in the core downtown (4^th Avenue Auto Park, Fond-du-Luth Casino Ramp, Holiday Center Ramp, Lake Superior Plaza, Medical District Ramp, Shopper’s Auto Park, Technology Village Ramp, US Bank Ramp and Wells Fargo Bank Ramp). There are also several lots available with long-term parking meters.

The skywalk to the DECC (Northwest Passage) is just a short walk and the stretch from the Radisson to the Holiday Center and on to the DECC will be open by 4:15AM Saturday June 20^th.

Please keep these parking options in mind anytime you are visiting downtown or attending events at the DECC, especially as construction is underway on the new arena. Many of our downtown businesses also offer Park Plus coupons to help pay for your future stay in a ramp.

Petition Campaign Kicks Off This Week

Property owners within the Duluth Downtown Waterfront District have been mailed petitions in hopes of gaining their support on renewing the special service district. The Greater Downtown Council unveiled the district nearly five years ago to provide such programs as the highly visible Clean & Safe Team, enhanced marketing and special events as well as physical improvements.

A petition drive kick-off event is being held at the Blackwater at Greysolon Plaza on Wednesday, June 17^th from 4-5:30pm. Property owners are encouraged to bring their petitions with them to the event.

Thank You To Our Green Thumb Volunteers

Despite the dreary weather, more than 50 volunteers turned out last month to help plant flowers in the 180 streetscape planters that now adorn the sidewalks of the Duluth Downtown Waterfront District. Thank you to all who participated—we had the planters filled in less than an hour! Thanks too to the Inn on Lake Superior for providing a complimentary lunch to our volunteers. In addition to the streetscape planters, our Clean & Safe Team has been busy maintaining 136 hanging baskets that also add a nice splash of color to our streets.

Oh! Those Summer Nights

Summer is here!!! Join other revelers on the bricks of downtown Duluth for our Rock the Block summer concert series. Plan to celebrate with these free concerts every other Thursday night starting June 25^th

June 25^th, The Radisson Hotel Duluth Harborview presents Don’t Panic

July 9^th, CSL Plasma presents Brandon Scott Sellner

July 23^rd, Score Sports Bar and Grill presents The Acceleratii

August 6^th, Grandma’s Saloon presents The Lisa Wenger Band

August 20^th, Aces on First presents The Centerville All Stars

September 3^rd, Fond du Luth Casino’s Block Buster featuring Neil McCoy

Sidewalk Days Festival

Mark your calendar now for Downtown Duluth’s summer shopping celebration, July 8^th, 9^th & 10^th. Come down for the shopping, stay for the savory food and unique entertainment. Between Lake Avenue and 4^th Avenue West, our downtown merchants join over 40 artists and vendors on Superior Street each day. Check out what’s happening at Fitgers and up on First Street too!

Runners and walkers—get your team together for the 2^nd Annual Sidewalk Shuffle 5k Run & Walk. Sponsored in part by the Greater Downtown Council, the Duluth YMCA will be hosting this lunch-hour race at 12:10pm on July 8^th. Get a team of co-workers together to walk or run, corporate teams are encouraged, or go it alone! As part of the Sidewalk Days Festival and as a fundraiser for the YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign, come out and support your community. For more information click here, http://www.duluthymca.org/ or call Angel Hohenstein, Duluth YMCA Membership Coordinator at (218) 722-4745 x175

Stick around Wednesday night for the 9^th Annual Classic Car Show and Harley Revue. From 5:00 to 8:00 hundreds of classic automobiles and striking Harley Davidsons will line Superior Street from Lake Ave to 6^th Avenue West. Six bands, six blocks – what a great way to spend a summer night.

Get your grove on Thursday night at this free Rock the Block concert. From 4:30 to 7:00, the polished blues sound of Brandon Scott Sellner will be rockin’ the 100 West block of Superior Street. Brandon won the Road to Memphis competition just this last April--come find out why.

The Friday night First Street dance tradition continues with the popular Pot Bellied Stallions playing in front of Aces on First and the new Live Downtown presenting the Monsters of Mock to dance away the night.

Sleep in Saturday as you’ll need your rest; Lamont Cranston will be playing in front of Dubh Linn Pub from 8:00 to Midnight. Beverages and the blues, enough said.

We’re on Facebook. Are you?

You can now join the Greater Downtown Council thru your Facebook account. Just go to the search box in the upper right-hand corner of your Facebook page and type “Greater Downtown Council” then click “Join”. It’s a great way to keep posted about downtown news and events. We hope to see you in cyberspace!

Welcome New Members