It was what I called "artists' weekend" in Framingham last weekend, with open studios at Fountain Street downtown and in Saxonville, as well as a free family afternoon at the Danforth Museum. Plus the usual cultural activities at the Amazing Things arts center. And while it's a cliche that artists taking advantage of cheap loft space can help bring vibrancy to a downtown center, well, cliches often become cliches because they speak (some) truth.
I went with a friend Saturday first to Panza Shoes downtown, which was surprisingly bustling; and then to the Fountain Street open house. There's a sizable free parking area at the Fountain Street studio building, and still tough to find a spot there; turnout was strong, and the event larger -- and more enjoyable -- than I expected. We got there around 3 and didn't get to see everything before things closed up at 5.
What was missing, though, was an appealing pedestrian streetscape between destinations like Panza and Fountain Street. There was a ton of auto traffic, but few pedestrians. And foot traffic is key in order to take advantage of multiple attractions and create a critical mass.
Downtown Framingham does have some compelling destinations: Amazing Things, Panza, the Danforth. What it does not yet have is synergy between them, because there are too many unattractive gaps between them. It's not yet a "park once, walk to many" environment. But there's potential. However, people must realize that creating a compelling ambiance for walkers is not a frill; it's essential for the next step of downtown revitalization.
[...] Planning Livable Communities It was what I called “artists’ weekend” in Framingham last weekend, with open studios at Fountain Street downtown and in Saxonville, as well as a free family afternoon at the Danforth Museum. Plus the usual cultural activities at the Amazing Things arts center. And while it’s a cliche that artists taking advantage of cheap loft [...] Go to Source Tags: [...]
ReplyDeleteWell, Sharon, there IS a "park once, walk to many" aspect of downtown Framingham, at night at least, that many people overlook: the live music scene.
ReplyDeleteWaverly Street near the intersection of Concord/Hollis St. is really its own entertainment district on weekend nights. The Chicken Bone Saloon, spiffed up under new ownership, packs them in with a great variety of bands, including rock, blues, funk, and top 40. Head west a few hundred feet to the Happy Swallow, my favorite, which has great blues and rock bands.
Then saunter up to the Old Station Steakhouse, for rock, blues, top 40, and Brazilian music in the second floor bar above the restaurant.
People walk between these locations frequently, popping in to see who's playing, what friends are there, etc. And for naysayers who think downtown and/or these establishments are not safe, relax. I've walked around there alone numerous times late at night, feel welcomed everywhere, never had a problem. I've taken out of town friends and family who live in bedroom communities with no night life and they're jealous of what I have in my hometown.
So get out and shake a leg, if you're so inclined. No need to go all the way to Boston or Worcester!
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