Downtown Westbend Association and Ben Theater outline spring events and master-plan progress

Nate Wakeake, events coordinator for the Downtown Westbend Association, told the BID that recent events are drawing more participation (about 18 businesses took part in the Valentine’s weekend chalking event and organizers sold just over 175 tickets). He previewed upcoming spring events: a spring shopping event on April 11, a spring wine walk on April 25 (VIP and general tiers), and a May 28 block party that will close multiple blocks downtown and bring a large stage.

A representative of the Ben Theater summarized February programming and a busy March lineup of concerts and tribute shows, and said the theater will host an Origin Series (local singer-songwriters) beginning March 19 to bring free music to the community. The theater representative and the association both emphasized the economic ripple effects of events on restaurants and shops.

Staff provided a quarterly master-plan update that noted completion of pedestrian improvements at Washington and 7th Avenue, expanded holiday decorations toward the library and Tower Heritage Center, and examples of recent commercial activity (Alpha Custom Apparel relocating to Sixth Street and increased occupancy in the Beimo building). Staff said planning for the Old Settlers Park redesign is underway, with a donor group interested in master-plan funding; construction is anticipated in phased stages and consultant selection later this year.

Ending: Staff will return with design proposals and cost estimates for Sixth Street planting and Old Settlers Park phases; the association continues event planning and marketing collaboration with the theater.