Quote:
Originally Posted by scania
I'm not sure if you've visited New York, Chicago, San Fran, DTLA, but the foot traffic in Midtown Atlanta is almost non existent after 7ish in comparison to these other cities. Keep in mind, we're talking about at night. Some of these things you mentioned as far as nightlife options, you missed the point. NO ONE walks from Spire, Plaza Midtown, etc. to the Symphony (Symphony doesn't promote any foot traffic). IMHO, in 2008 - 2010, I saw more people walking around at night. Maybe there were more pan-handlers and prostitutes. But trust me, this is something that other residents have noticed who live in the area. Things that you mentioned are more destination places and or simply a daytime affair...i.e. the museums.
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I think it's unfair to compare all of those well-developed cities to Midtown, all of them including LA have had nearly a century of growth compared to the 2 decades or so Midtown has truly had. What remains of Midtown before is few and far between.
I think foot traffic is up particularly at night. Is it bustling like those other cities, definitely not, but I think a lot of that has to do with the major gaps for parking lots, etc. that still exist and the lack of people who live in the city and Midtown directly.
With the increasing rise of apartments in the coming years, we'll see more people out more times of the day and hopefully more entertainment options.
I'm personally hopeful Colony Square will be a big push to get people out and about more.
I think there are other factors that aren't played well, Midtown specifically has a lot of venues, but doesn't have things showing at all times or even most days.
A perfect example is the Puppetry Arts Center which has two theatres, but usually only puts on one show a day, during the day for kids. I saw a great show at Halloween for adults, but that's about the only adult show they do all year.
Another is the theatre at Paris on Ponce, which is largely a rental event space or Center Stage, which has 3 theatres and is lucky to have one or two events going on.
Unlike some other cities that have a clearly vibrant, theatre scene, Midtown's is quite hidden and seemingly unused. At least part of getting people out, is giving them something to go to aside from bars and restaurants.