By Barry Owens
To refer to the Douglas Design District over the past year has been to refer to the merchants association behind it. The group is working to create a sense of place (and shopping destination) on Douglas Avenue along the two-mile stretch from Washington to Oliver.
Up to now that work — members solicited, committees formed, plans hatched, city leaders engaged—has been done behind closed doors. The Douglas Design District existed on no map but the associations’ own. Around here, one heard about the district, never saw it.
That changes this month as 50 banners, enough for half of the light poles between Washington and Oliver on Douglas, will be outfitted with banners that claim the area as Douglas Design District territory.
“It is our first visual, the first thing that says ‘Hey, we’re doing something here,’ ” said Wendy Mayes, a district board member. “It’s exciting.”
To celebrate, the district is throwing a block party in College Hill on July 25 at Aspen Boutique, corner of Douglas and Oliver, from 6-9 p.m. The public is invited. The party will feature live music, $1 sample items from district restaurants, and entertainment for kids.
On July 26, the district is sponsoring a “Summer on the Avenue” event from 10a.m.-6.p.m. that will include free trolley transportation up and down Douglas. Park and ride locations will be at Big Dog Motorcycles, 1520 E. Douglas, the west parking lot of East High School 2301 E. Douglas, and at Allegiant Realty, 4601 E. Douglas.
The idea, Mayes said, is to introduce the area to shoppers. Participating merchants will offer special sales and the district will hold a drawing for $1,000 in gift certificates.
“We’ve accomplished a lot of things,” Mayes said of the district’s work behind the scenes. “Going forward we really want to work on community involvement and start having more events that aren’t just for us.”
