My first impression of Lawrence while visiting many years ago was of downtown, its tree-lined streets with specialty shops, restaurants and interesting architecture. Lawrence was exciting, vibrant, diverse, cultured, and a lot of that seemed to be happening right here in the downtown area.

Now, as a 20-year resident and actively involved in our community, I feel even stronger about Lawrence and about downtown. I realize that what we have here in our downtown and what is the envy of other cities, is truly a result of the citizens of Lawrence.

Commitment to preserve

We all know the history of downtown — the mall wars, the South Iowa development, and we know our future challenges with commercial retail growth on the west side of town and a sluggish national economy. It is important to remember there is still a strong commitment to preserve and continue the economic growth and vitality of downtown. There were people who fought hard to rebuild, reinvest and protect a jewel for our city. It is this energy, this enthusiasm, this involvement that puts a “face” on our community, the face of the people who believe in the important role of downtown.

Role in growth

Downtown is vital and important for attracting people to our community and plays a key role in the growth of Lawrence and Douglas County. Downtown serves as an incubator for small, locally owned businesses with unique specialty shops, restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores and galleries. Combine this with a variety of services, entertainment, upscale franchises, Lawrence’s history, and city government offices and you have “the heart of the city.” When arriving in Lawrence, visitor’s “start here” in downtown — a destination place for out-of-town guests and shoppers, a place for Kansas University and Haskell Indian Nations University alumni and families to gather, and a selling tool for Lawrence’s economic development and growth.

Downtown is special because of all these things. I never thought that the first thing I loved about Lawrence, the downtown area, would be where I find myself actively involved in today. My husband, Don, and I opened our business downtown. Owning a business and serving as director of Downtown Lawrence Inc. have confirmed what I felt from the beginning. I am happy to be a part of the downtown and Lawrence business community.