The phrase “revitalization of downtown Everett” defines the process and captures the vision of our community leaders. To revitalize means to take something that lacks spark and give it new life, and to impart new strength and energy.
Everett’s downtown was once a vibrant center of the community. All commerce was centered in the downtown core. Shopping malls were not a threat to downtown business until the 1960s and 1970s when strip malls and urban shopping centers began to draw business away from downtown. Empty storefronts were the result. The life and spark of this once vibrant downtown was virtually extinguished. Blight and crime took hold in the form of drug dealing, prostitution, graffiti and decay.
A movement started across the nation in the 1990s to reclaim the downtown cores. Communities like ours felt a loss after their downtown died a slow death. Only after such a major loss did citizens realize that the downtown core gave the city much of its character and identity.
Community leaders have breathed new life into downtown Everett. Many people have contributed to this path of recovery, and there are plans to continue revitalization efforts. Public and private funds, together with planning, time and effort, have been invested in redevelopment of Everett’s city center.
The city has stepped forward and made major improvements in the downtown streets and sidewalks. The aesthetic appeal of new “retro” lamp posts, bus stop shelters and street clocks, all in “downtown green,” give the area a distinct image while keeping a historic feel. The city Parks Department, with the help of volunteers, continues to improve the visual impact of the streetscape with the addition of the striking public art displays and the annual floral plantings.
The county also renewed its commitment to the downtown core by keeping county offices in place and investing in new architecture. The striking new county campus is both aesthetically pleasing and pedestrian friendly.
Joint public and private ventures have boosted our downtown economy. The Performing Arts Center and the Everett Events Center provide world class entertainment to our citizens – a key ingredient for a healthy downtown. Venues such as the Imagine Children’s Museum and the Everett Historic Theater continue to attract visitors downtown. Local sports teams, centered downtown, generate city spirit.
Private business and property owners have taken great pride in their businesses and buildings by improving storefronts and remodeling existing buildings. The increase in the number of quality restaurants is proportionate to the increase in the entertainment and sports venues downtown. A healthy downtown offers variety for all tastes.
The Downtown Everett Association (DEA), a coalition of business and property owners in the central business district, is an example of how local government and local business can work together to reach the same goal: advancing downtown Everett as a vibrant economic, cultural and governmental center. DEA oversees the Business Improvement Area, or BIA, which places special emphasis on maintaining a clean and safe downtown.
A big piece of the revitalization puzzle is right around the corner. A number of high-quality condominiums are on the drawing board for downtown Everett and the vicinity. Bringing people downtown to both live and work is instrumental in bringing back a high quality of life for all.
The enhancements in the downtown core over the last 15 years have been dramatic, and the future developments will increase Everett’s visibility. These improvements have put Everett on the map as a destination city. Everett and Snohomish County citizens will benefit from these changes that have brought life back into our downtown and energy back into our city.
Bill Quistorf is president of the Downtown Everett Association.
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