North Tamiami Trail Redevelopment - One of the items generating a lot of discussion related to the ongoing effort to plan for the redevelopment of the North Tamiami Trail has been what the project should be called. (For those that are unaware, this work has been a joint effort of the four colleges/universities, both counties, and the city, with great interest and close observation by the neighborhoods.) Recently the group recommended that the whole area be referred to as the “The Renaissance Trail,” with five subdivisions---The Whitfield Mile, The University Mile, The Ringling Mile, The Whitaker-Pioneer Mile, and the Cultural Center Mile identified from north to south. The way I understand it is that each subdivision would be "themed" in a slightly different way in terms of civic infrastructure (signage, perhaps lighting). As usual here, I'm looking for reactions to the whole idea. Any thoughts?
posted by Michael McNees at 11:41 AM
7 Comments:
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I like the idea.
It's an interesting idea. Exactly how stark the contrast will be with adjacent architectural, signage and lighting designs is something that needs to be looked at. Maybe not insisting on an exact mile for each area, but look at what would be a good dividing point, be it an intersection or an existing shopping center as the "border" between two of the "miles". It's a lot better idea than the boring "Italian renaissance" style Venice forces down everybody's throat.
Is it really that long of a road to have to have a different name every Mile? Too confusing and overkill. What has happened to our heritage and the name Tamiami Trail? That is a great name with history. Do we really think people who live in Sarasota are so stupid they cannot handle all of the trail staying one name. And who cares if we in Sarasota call it the North Tamiami Trail? It is not an insult to Bradenton, it is the north part of the trail in Sarasota and that is what we are working on. Give up the names, we have good identifiers that give location, such as the Museum, Ringling School, Van Wezel....leave it along and give your time and brain to more important issues.
I appreciate your willingness to receive comments on this issue. Some questions/thoughts...
(1) I understand there was a fair bit of work in coming up with this name, but what about the fact that "The Renaissance" development/condo is smack in the middle of the cultural district?
(2) Is it important to pay tribute to the history of Tamiami Trail and is it appropriate to rename Sarasota's section of it? Many cities acheieve the important goal of defining and setting in motion a master plan without renaming streets...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamiami
Is it important to levrage the history of Sarasota's section of the Trail to this end? Should changing this be weighed with preserving and springboarding off it's national recognition?
(3) Will we then rename the other side of 6th street to Boulevard of the Arts or vice versa? Has navigation and orientation been considered? How about economic impacts...are those affected aware of this change...are they prepared (and willing) to change business letterhead, signage, brochures, promotional materials, etc?
4) Is this name inclusive to current residents, not just the surrounding cultural and educational institutions?
-doug perry
Having attended nearly all the meetings involved with the Renovation41 project and hearing the the naming summary twice, I must say that I too was very underwhelmed with "Renaissance" and the "Miles" concept.
"Tamiami Trail" has great historical significance and is highly recognizable. Why brush this aside?
Indicating that "North Trail" has unwanted baggage associated with it is a poor reason to disregard history.
A concerted effort to continue the process of compatable redevelopment along the Trail and a "wayfinding system" will go a long way toward making this a significant gateway into Sarasota.
Names such as "College District", "Museum and Theater District", Ringling School of Art District", "Whittaker Historical District", and "Cultural District", are names that are known. Using the term "District" gives a sense of place upon which to build.
This stretch of Sarasota needs to be integrated into the city, not set apart.
To clarify one thing, I don't think there's any intention to formally change the name of the street, just to name the redevelopment project, somewhat analogous to the Downtown Master Plan 2020.
I tend to agree with the folks who like the historic "Tamiami Trail" designation, but then I also tend to like simplicity. "Tamiami Arts Trail" works for me, but I don't know if our University friends would agree that being considered as part of the teaching art links them directly enough. I like what SOS1 pointed out, which is that many districts already exist, i.e. University District.
I don't know exactly what the process is for this recommendation to roll forward, I will have to find out and report back.
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