Historic Main Street Persona's

Love the indoor/outdoor space idea.

Love the idea of entertainment venues with live music, drinks, and outdoor spaces! Elk Grove is missing these types of venues, and I have to travel to downtown or Lodi for any music events.

Even though this is "Artsy," people of all ages, including children, would benefit from more art and community events.

Love the idea of closed streets and more art, music, and events! I moved here from San Francisco and miss these types of city events.

Would love to see one of the new attractions be a mini golf course (with misters/shade). It would be really cool to tie it in with a railroad theme, but I love the idea of having this attraction added in the area, and it would certainly bring not just even families, but people of all ages to enjoy as there are not many mini golf courses in the greater Sacramento Area.

Instead of an ice rink, I'd like to see Elk Grove consider a permanent, accessible playground. It would be fantastic to partner up with Magical Bridge Playground to have them bring an accessible playground for all abilities of children to this area, making it a centerpiece of the new renovated area. It could be themed as Western or Railroad to tie-in with the area's theming (and make sure it has plenty of shade covering).

I love the idea of kayak rentals! I'm actually in disbelief that there is not already a boathouse in Elk Grove or near the area that could offer kayak rentals on the many various waterways. Many cities also offer free kayaking as community programming, like once a month, to get more people out on the water and provide accessible on the water opportunities.

I’d like to see an arched sign erected over the entrance of Historic Elk Grove like a lot of other cities have begun doing. These are most likely metal type signage and are unique to the neighborhood.
Also a more permanent ice rink for the winter months for public enjoyment.

Relaxed/Upscale! Many will agree that the places that draw people on vacation have quaint, walkable downtown areas with unique GOOD restaurants, and cute shops with unique items. Even if there is a national brand store included, it's not overbearing and blends into the feel of the entire space. EG has a lot of kid friendly spaces/parks/fields in every direction, there is NOT a lot (or anything) for young or active adults. We find ourselves leaving EG to shop / eat / experience. I do agree with the community member who brings up actual space. Old Town is not that big and when you consider that most of the buildings are not necessarily of the "old town feel", it seems even smaller. It would be amazing to transform the entire space from EG Florin to almost Bond, (and yes, a street or two back would help it feel more anchored) to the same relaxed/upscale/historic feel. Included: non-chain restaurants with indoor and outdoor spaces, boutiques and stores, wine tasting rooms for local, Lodi, foothill wineries, event space to host cooking classes, dance classes, anything fun and that does not involve yet another chain restaurant! (Honestly, isn't there some sort of moratorium the City can enact on another drive thru?). Thanks for listening!

The reality is that our town has a basically a 6 block main street area. Historically, we have not developed the streets behind main street (south and north of main street) with commercial or a mix of commercial and residential. Our "commercially viable" main street basically starts with Pinot's palette and ends with Tule. The one historical building that held the Candycraft was recently condemned because no one apparently maintained the roof. Restoring this historical building needs to be a priority. The Secret Garden house which belonged to one of the founding Elk Grove families has been allowed to fall into ruin because the company that purchased it did not stick to their agreement with the City and Historical association to protect it. The water tower issue (is it really a safety hazard?) needs to be addressed as this is a LARGE, centrally located parcel that could be developed into a building that complements the adjacent historical buildings with access to centralized public parking.

The reality is that we don't really have enough "quantity" to stick with any one development "persona" but we DO need to make sure that permitting and licensing of future businesses FILL and do an excellent rehab job, as Tule has done, that we make parking ACCESSIBLE so that these business establishments can flourish, that we do a marketing job to continue the good work started by the development of the plaza to attract families and events, that we restore our signature events like the Dickens Fair and the Western Festival and add more . . . .

We need to utilize/capitalize on the vacant historical properties we have. Like the grange hall? What happened to the plaque? Is it empty? What could go there? Can we move the Youth Center to the soon-to-be-vacated library building at Elk Grove Florin and Elk Grove Blvd so that it (the old library and courthouse building, which is a historical structure) could be turned into a commercial or artsy property that would attract walking shoppers/tourists/families- It would create another walking distance property to "extend" the business/active side of main street? And it has parking!

How far "back" into the adjacent neighborhoods do we want to go with new businesses? In Sonoma the somewhat "depressed" neighborhoods behind the main street have been "gentrified" and have a mix of light commercial (art studios, architects, realtors) along with residences BUT it does lessen our base of affordable housing.

I am concerned that all these proposed personas assume a downtown that is BIGGER than what we will EVER have, unless we decide to let that area get bigger. I guess what I'm saying is that our choices are more finite than we think and we can simplify and accelerate this development process if we just make sure our downtown structures are MAINTAINED (kinda iffy so far) and developed in keeping with the direction we are currently going EXCEPT that our businesses need more support so they don't fail, including better access to them. That may mean removing some of those planters and islands that make main street parking so challenging and the street visually so cluttered. New business development should seek out to fulfill unmet needs for adult and youth entertainment - the "Lumberyard" on the old Derr property could be a very cool venue that has a small concert stage or ampitheater, restaurants, a non-alcoholic dance club for youth and a bar with a dance club for adults, and cafes/shopping (like the Barnyard in Carmel, which is multi-story to incorporate a LOT of activities into a smallish footprint, with parking.

Access to light rail or a stop on the Amtrak would be VERY helpful.

I personally don't like an Upscale Persona because it invites strong business or capitalist atmosphere that makes our community bustling with selling goods and services. The trading community can be reserved to areas of Silicon Valley and San Francisco. There is less human interaction when commodities and consumerism are highlighted everywhere along roads and sidewalks. Increased foot traffic and vehicles to check out stores will make the city awfully congested.

I am most interested in the upscale option. We need non-chain restaurants and a place to gather with interesting options as adults.

The mix of upscale relaxed personas appeal to me the most in thinking about what I love most about Elk Grove and what could be best for long-term growth. While the Upscale persona heavily references examples with waterfronts, I believe it's the waterfronts for those examples that contribute to those experiences in making them feel upscale. What I do like about the Upscale persona is that it is described as "quaint, walkable and tourism-oriented" and a "diverse mix of businesses and restaurants, including speciality shops, cafes, delis, restaurant, artist and local artisan galleries as well as professional, social, and community services". This description speaks to some of the other persona aspects that resonate with me such as the Relaxed that ties back to the farm-to-fork dining and laid back options, and the Artsy persona that focuses on the arts and culture integrated into the downtowns.

While we don't have luxe waterways to enhance the upscale we do have a diverse and thriving community in which we host a variety of events. I love the community efforts that are underway in our District 56 such as the outdoor music and cultural events, and how we are also leveraging the Old Town Plaza to host farmers markets, craft, and thrift swaps. What I see anchoring some of these events are things like an area that invites you to stay after one of these events and explore, for people to linger if you will. I want to see us building community in which we support our local businesses and maker community. I've loved living in Elk Grove and appreciate how many opportunities the city provides for us to connect. I'd love to see an environment that reflects an invitation for connection at the center of its design.

I like Historic/Family Friendly.

I think a mix of Upscale and Nightlife would drive crowds and appeal to a wide audience. Elk Grove is already a very family-friendly city, but we’re missing fun activities for adults. These personas would make downtown more walkable and lively during the day and evening, providing people with more options for entertainment without having to travel to Sacramento.

Nightlife/Artsy/Family Friendly
Lodi’s downtown is so accessible and welcoming. Artsy would give it a more upscale feel.
Parking and accessibility will be hugely important.

I would love an upscale persona in old Elk Grove. If fashioned like downtown Tiburon and Sausalito it would bring wonderful things like art festivals. There would be new architecture and quality shops. Local residents would have quality places to go for an evening out and good entertainment. No more leaving town to experience an upscale event. This would boost our economy and not require people to drive out of town for good relaxation and a quality meal and boutique shopping.
My second choice is nightlife.

Elk Grove is severely missing nightlife activities, would love to see it here!

I like the Artsy Perasona it should instantly allow for diversity.

I think it is important to preserve the historic buildings and overall vibe of the Historic District, but zi would love to see an upscale theme. Restaurants, nightlife, and retail with a boutique aura would be fantastic.

Upscale nightlife would be so goated rn. EG city planners have no idea how much money they’re missing out on by not having a thriving nightlife scene or large music venue.

The access from 99 to historic Elk Grove is not sufficient to support the level of traffic of a destination and the construction needed to create sufficient access would impact the community in traffic nightmares. It already takes longer to get across elk grove from 5 or 99.

We need more family and kid friendly safe sites with quick healthy kid foods. Milkshakes, hot dogs, chhesefries. Etc. And fun activities. Lasertag,Bocci or bowling ball, skates, badminton air hockey pinball. There are too many beauty/hair salons and no free fun for kids of all ages.

Desperately in need of some nightlife. Tiresome ubering to downtown every other week.

Would love a mixture of nightlife and family friendly eateries, shops, and a sweet shop.

Nightlife and family friendly

Thanks

Downtown Lodi is a great option to model what Downtown Elk Grove should be in my opinion. Plenty to do both during the day and at night. I think "Nightlife" brings connotations of loud bustling clubs and craziness, but really what I think Elk Grove is missing is places for people to go at night on weekends and have fun that isn't the casino!

A mix of Historic, Nightlife and Upscale

a mix of family friendly, upscale & nightlife so there’s something to do for everyone. elevate elk grove so it feels more upper class like Folsom & EDH.

My concern with the historic persona is its ability to drive revenue-generating traffic. Are GenZ and the next generations interested in antique stores? My gut says no.

1. Upscale
2. Family friendly
3. Artsy

I think these 3 will always drive traffic to the area.

I already love the essence that old EG gives and I agree with a couple of the other suggestions that organic growth of businesses would be great rather than to "force" a particular persona. Tule Coffeehouse is one of my favorites in this area and I'd like to see improvements that would help and encourage businesses to open up in here. If I had to choose, I'd be somewhere between historic (keeping history is important to me) and relaxed (it's the atmosphere I generally get already and I like it). Some nightlife in EG would be great but I don't think Old EG is the place to do it.

I'd also like to echo the traffic concerns in this area -- it is a PAIN to drive in and out of here with the main road. My road planning skills aren't good enough to offer a solution, but it's a constant struggle here and in other places around EG with all of the current and upcoming expansions. It'd be a dream for this area to be walkable.

Upscale and family-friendly would be the best combination for old elk grove.

Have you looked at Pleasanton and Livermore? They both expanded their Main Street / First Streets while retaining the historic charm, buildings, and museums. They have great restaurants and stores located in this area. Livermore is adding a plaza where families can hang out, along with a small hotel. They have the Bankhead Theater, while Pleasanton built The Firehouse Art Center, both making it possible to have live performances and exhibits right there in town. I saw a comment about including more for young people, which I totally agree with. A water feature would be fantastic as well. I could go on, but it’s very exciting indeed! (Same comment posted on Facebook)

My vote is for the Upscale and Nightlife personas. I think it provides Old Elk Grove with the most excitement, fun, and energy. I think it would cater and attract the broadest audience and visitors who want a variety of fun things to do. The other personas seem similar to what we already have in surrounding areas.

1. Upscale
2. Historic
3. Artsy

Historic/Artsy/Family-friendly are my top 3, and probably could be creatively integrated.
I’m imagining small “parks” or gathering places—like a gazebo next to an artistic climbing sculpture for kids, and an old-timey ice cream parlor, an art gallery, and a museum or interpretive installation about EG history.
How fun! I look forward to seeing what comes out of this process! I hope residents will participate in a positive way.

This is my first choice. Elk Grove has a lot of shopping and restaurants already, but is sorely in need of an arts scene.

Family friendly all the way! A big draw to Elk Grove is the family friendly environment. Old Town should be no different. Incorporation of family friendly amenities without compromising the old town character. Looks like Folsom would be a good case for review and improve on their plan but for Elk Grove.

A mix of family friendly and historic. I would love to have Elk Grove be a town suitable for filming Hallmark movies.

It seems to me that the persona should match the character of the city it's in. Elk Grove is largely families, with lots of restaurants but you have to travel for "foodie" experiences. We don't have major waterfronts around which to anchor a persona like that. Perhaps Upscale or Family-Friendly makes sense. There's not a big art culture here and the history seems not to have the depth of other places.

I also note that other similar locations have VERY walkable streets and open air restaurants/eateries. The streets in Old EG aren't that walkable and EG Blvd is a major thoroughfare. It's narrow and perhaps lends itself to closing the street altogether in this stretch to make the entire place easy to walk and enjoy.

I'll also share my comment on the FB post: "The personas really are dependent on what else is in the area and the context. Like, who's going to rent a bike to ride around there? It's not an especially nice place to ride a bike. And, cycling on Elk Grove's congested streets, especially Elk Grove Boulevard, never feels safe.
Old Folsom has made it a place you don't drive through but you drive to. Elk Grove needs that too for this to be a place people want to come to and not feel stuck in traffic to get there.
It speaks to the deteriorating traffic congestion that's been occurring in this city for the last 10-15 years. As a resident, I appreciate the opportunity to have input but we need some organic alignment rather than try and plop something down and hope for the best (e.g., the zoo)."

I would love a relaxed family friendly space with some night life for when they go to bed early after having so much fun in old town!

We go to Livermore fairly often and invariably end up eating at First Street Ale House (10/10!). But we also invariably say “wish this was I. EG”. I don’t know which persona it is. Are there child specific “attractions”? No. Are there a zillion families? Yes! Dog friendly patio seating at restaurants. Get a donut at the Wagon Wheel like you did in 1972, have a burger or Chinese food, or try the Livermore Valley wines. Get your nails done, buy a new saddle, or check out the bargains at the thrift shop.

It’s eclectic and ALWAYS busy. Nose in street parking, big parking lots behind the buildings. Sometimes you gotta park a couple of blocks away, but you never have to give up and leave. The apartments are new but blend in. But clearly weren’t there since always. I don’t know their architectural requirements, but that’s how it looks. The parking garage at one end looks like…. A parking garage. Nice one, but clearly what it is.

I don’t know how to do that here. The original footprint was larger than what we have.


Do remember how close houses are and how much traffic has to use that street.

Elk Grove is already seen as a Family Friendly city, so the Historic Main Street area should enhance that existing "persona." Having been to both Folsom and Lodi's historic downtowns recently, Folsom's was full of energy and families, and Lodi had few businesses that were a draw. The Historic Main Street area should be a draw primarily for families that live here, and secondarily for visitors. I really appreciate the way Old Town Plaza reflects the history of Elk Grove with its railroad design motifs. Also, all these newly enhanced or created features of Elk Grove — Historic Main Street, District 56, Old Town Plaza — need to be accessible via public transit, even on the weekends.

Historic

A combination of all but the look of night life is most desirable. That doesn't necessarily mean bars. A place with restaurants that have indoor/outdoor seating, public space alleys (from the upscale), shopping, and yes even a place for art/dance/festivals and the ice rink. Our teens need a place to meet with friends and enjoy their city too. They also need a place to take pictures for dances instead of traveling to Sac. Keep the historic feel and architecture along with a beautiful spot that can become a staple for them. Adults also want a place to gather with friends and be able to walk up and down the street enjoying all the new downtown has to offer. Let's make this a social spot for people of all ages.