Duluth Revitalization Moves Ahead

Duluth’s plans to revitalize downtown moved forward with the city council’s vote Monday (March 11) to enter into an agreement with Morris & Fellows to provide professional services for redevelopment planning.

The agreement prepared by city staff and the city attorney authorizes the expenditure of up to $150,000 for the consulting firm to prepare land use recommendations, transportation and utility plans, urban design, landscaping, signage, and a marketing plan.

Cheri Morris, president of the Sandy Springs-based company, outlined a plan at a joint meeting of the Duluth City Council and Downtown Development Authority Monday Dec. 17 that would initially focus on redevelopment Old City Hall Block, now referred to as “The Block,” but also involve other parts of downtown.

The Red Clay Theatre would serve as the anchor for a downtown restaurant and entertainment district with retail shops, offices above the stores, and possibly a boutique hotel envisioned by Morris and her team. Morris’ plan also includes development of multi-family homes, townhomes, cluster homes, and single-family homes downtown.

The vote on entering into the agreement was 4-1 in favor. Councilwoman Marsha Bomar voted against it. Bomar said she would like clarification on what the plan’s components would include and a timetable for their delivery to the city.

Morris was out of the country and unable to attend the March 11 meeting to answer questions.

In separate action, the council approved $68,000 in budget amendments to hire other professional consultants for various projects, including the downtown master plan, a hotel study, the tax allocation district, land appraisals and surveys.

See also:

Downtown Revitalization Proposal Aired