Downtown Fresno is in for change. Again. Walking the tight line between preservation and restoration. But that change is spurred by interests from the outside. You can call them investors.
"The thing we're seeing is making the difference...The prescense of a vision."
Ever since the mayor signed off on a Fulton Corridor plan to open up the mall, investors have been calling. Good news for stakeholders like Greg Schweitzer. He leases the old PG&E building. Or what many now know as "The Grand."
"We're seeing an upsurge in activity...Positive situation."
Investors are now interested. And when there's interest...There's money.
"when i think of investors i think of people from inside or out who want to bring their personal dollars in the community."
Kate Borders is the Director of PBID Partners. A group of business owners who want a better downtown. And that means keeping with the old, and making it work.
"It is embracing the old...From the beginning."
"Investors have to believe in that concept...Preservationists. Dollars...Invest in historic properties."
And it goes beyond just foot traffic. It's about keeping people here. Working here. Eating here.
"Getting pepole to live down here is a key component."
But not an easy task when these buildings are vacant, and have been for quite a long time. The Fulton plan is a mighty one. Requiring millions of dollars and plenty of partners.
TXT 24
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