Ancillary Activity Starting Early

Biting into downtown
Paucity of crowds at night, on weekend makes for risky move, but eateries are cooking
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/business/17024810.htm

From the article:

"The Calhoun Street restaurant joins several other restaurants scheduled to open downtown this year, part of a spate of investment in the heart of the city. Developers are considering building a commercial building along Superior Street that could contain more restaurants. And an established downtown eatery, Club Soda, is investing $350,000 to add patio seating to its Superior Street building."

"Each successful restaurant and shop gives people another reason to spend time downtown."

"A local developer is eyeing another project that could generate interest in downtown. John McKay and his brother, architect Michael McKay, are considering constructing a commercial building with condominiums on Superior Street between North Clinton Street and Club Soda, said Dan Carmody, director of the Downtown Improvement District."

"Preliminary plans for Superior Street Row call for stores and restaurant space on the street level of the building and condominiums on the upper three levels, Carmody said. The city would need to decide whether to sell its parking lot on the site to make room for the two-phase project."

"People fill downtown streets at lunchtime during the week, but it will take more effort to make the area a night and weekend hot spot, said Roque Calvo, co-owner of the Cancun Mexican Grille on Columbia Street. The Mexican restaurant has fared well since its Jan. 14 opening, but the owners want to draw more people to live band performances on Friday and Saturday nights. The area tends to empty out after office workers head home for the weekend, he said."

"The Harrison Square project could prove to be a great catalyst for downtown restaurants, Thomas said. The proposed ballpark, a third downtown hotel, condominiums and a parking garage would help draw additional nighttime and weekend traffic to the area."