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JULY 2008
Flags, Fireworks, Family & Fanfare
Message from Executive Director
Update provided to DSA membership
Action Plan—Preserving San Angelo’s History
Ride the trolley, meet the artists
South Chadbourne alive with activity…
Flags, Fireworks, Family & Fanfare
by: Lucie Hofheins
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The dark sky shimmers with flashes of bright light, the music swells and floats through the night air, the crowd joins in and sings along while children eagerly look up at the the fireworks.
The 2008 July 3rd Stars & Stripes Pops concert held at the Bill Aylor Sr. Memorial River Stage, once again brought a large segment of the San Angelo Community to the downtown area. The tradition founded 21 years ago by former Conductor Gene Smith, who believed that symphonic music should be accessible to everyone, provided an enchanting evening for young and old alike.
San Angelo’s Community Band and the San Angelo Symphony presented an array of patriotic melodies while featured vocalists Heidi Hargrove and the group Vocal Fusion added to the mix.
Goodfellow Airforce Base representatives were on hand to carry in an array of colorful flags while military volunteers ushered guests to their seats. A most inspirational part of the presentation was the lowering of a giant American Flag off the Chadbourne Street Bridge. Among the large gathering of participants dressed in red, white and blue, youngsters touted American Flags.
This traditional event. a city-wide favorite is the fourth largest of its kind in the state. Additionally, the Pops Concert draws the biggest crowd of locals and visitors for a one-day event.
Best of all, it makes one proud to live in San Angelo—and proud to be an American.
Executive Director’s Message
By Del Velasquez
Through the efforts of many of you Downtown San Angelo, Inc. has become a key and integral part of the revitalization effort taking place in our city.
The City of San Angelo is witnessing the impact Downtown San Angelo, Inc. has created in our city:
- The recent change of policy on parking time limits
- Establishing and implementing a monthly art walk
- The downtown web cam
- The Downtown Live music venue
- The “Walk Through Time” banner program that not only adds color to the downtown district but provides a historical learning experience
- The Sheep-spectacular which recognizes a part of San Angelo’s heritage through creative artistic expression and has created a buzz (bleat) about our city and our organization.
- Participating organizations have their logos proudly displayed on banners suspended on the Chadbourne Street Bridge.
These projects, goals and initiatives are all being recognized as steps that will draw citizens and visitors to create and expect a vibrant downtown.
Recently the Economic Restructuring Committee has undertaken a project that will assist in the development of residential living in the downtown district. Through this enterprise we will have a tool that will engage developers and investors to take a major step in creating an economic model. This will generate not only the building of facilities for residential living but a strong economy base for increased retail and commercial development.
As previously mentioned, the establishment of the monthly Downtown Art Walk every 3rd Thursday of the month has produced yet another tool for creating not only a sense of community and education but provides financial benefit. The Art Galleries are reporting the art walk has provided a platform for sales and marketing to their businesses. As a result, the merchant community is taking notice and more are willing to keep their doors open later on that day. We know that 75 percent of retail sales occur between 4 and 10 p.m. during weekdays and including weekends. By creating this venue we believe the downtown merchants can also benefit from participants attending the art walk.
Our goal and attitude at Downtown San Angelo, Inc. is listening to the aspirations and dreams of individuals. We then work to provide the support that helps an individual accomplish those goals in his or her life. We work to change thought barriers that people face as they attempt to build our community into a place where all can achieve and live their dream. Finally, we advocate for effective changes that improve broader cultural systems for our city and its continuous development.
Update provided to DSA membership
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Downtown San Angelo, Inc welcomed its membership at a meeting in the Cactus Hotel Lobby on June 26, 2008.
Lee Pfluger, Board President introduced Committees chairmen who provided information updates including:
Economic Restructuring: Committee is currently undertaking downtown residential living concepts and property development.
Design: Group is working with the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce and the City of San Angelo on wayfinding proposal for San Angelo city-wide.
Promotions: “Art-Ober-Feast” planning is under way—in combination with Angelo State University’s Homecoming festivities on October 18th. The Downtown Art Walk project is underway as DSA partners with the downtown art community.
Organization: This group is building strong membership and teaming up with other local organizations. The committee is also continuing with fund-raising activities.
To wrap up the event guest speaker, Josh Lassere, with Visionaries in Preservation for Texas Historic Commission provided insight on San Angelo’s historic preservation action plan which has been in the development stage for several months.
Special recognition: Downtown San Angelo Members
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Three outstanding San Angelo Merchants were acknowledged at the DSA Membership Meeting on June 26th. Board President, Lee Pfluger and Executive Director Del Velasquez were on hand to present awards to:
- The Glass Prism, owned and operated by Mary Valva recognized as an outstanding Downtown Merchant and recipient of The Celebration of Diversity Award
- Fat Bosses Pub, “Christmas Light Contest” winner and special participation in downtown events. Accepting award, Cyndi Castillo, co-owner.
- Brest Boots named Best Boot Shop at the 2008 Best of America Boot Makers Showcase Competition. Brest Boots were worn in the Academy Award winning Motion Picture “No Counry for Old Men.”
Congratulations to these merchants recognized for the quality of products and services they provide, and for their participation in downtown revitalization.
Action Plan—Preserving San Angelo’s History
In February 2008, the San Angelo Visionaries in Preservation (VIP) Organization began creating a community action plan spearheaded by the Texas Historical Commission group. The VIP group provides tools to help cities retain their identity and sense of place as it grows and develops.
Participants have been attending monthly meetings at Fort Concho, Officers Quarters #8. Individuals were assigned task force goals with each researching and providing necessary feedback which will then be fashioned into the final plan.
Final presentation is scheduled on August 22, 2008 in the lobby of Cactus Hotel. For more information call 325-655-1234
Consider downtown living
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Have you ever thought about living in the downtown area? If you have, you may be interested in the downtown living concepts visualized and designed by Texas Tech graduate architect students. Drawings and schematics illustrate a number of ideas for unique residential spaces which can be developed from great old historic buildings.
Downtown San Angelo has many of these unique buildings which could be developed to provide distinguished living spaces. John West, owner of the Old Household Furniture building located at 11 N. Chadbourne, provided the group with the project structure. The discerning students went beyond consideration of residential spaces and included commercial space, streetscapes, parking, fitness and lounge areas and much more. All of the plans can be incorporated for downtown habitation. Ten designs, each distinctive, are currently displayed at 9 W. Beauregard, next to Fuentes Café.
It would not be easy, and it would take many people together, but it is exciting to imagine a thriving residential community in the heart of San Angelo.
A residential living survey is currently circulating in the downtown area. Your feedback would help Downtown San Angelo, Inc, determine the needs and interests for individuals considering residing in Downtown San Angelo.
Take a moment and mull over the possibilities—then believe it can happen.
Free audio tour guide by cell
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Did you know that one of the first San Angelo stagecoach drivers was a woman (and no one knew it until she passed away)? And were you aware that a street car and a Model T collided on the 200 block of South Chadbourne?
At the touch of the keypad on your cell phone, you will hear all about these two accounts—and there’s much more! By calling the number provided at each of the mural sites or on the Audio Tour Guide card (pictured), you will gain access to a description of the rich and colorful history behind each of the Historic Murals located in downtown San Angelo.
The Convention and Visitors Bureau will soon have audio information available which will include descriptions of the river front sculptures on display.
In addition, Historic Murals is looking into installation of lighting at each mural. Keep an eye out for illumination of the downtown murals for your evening enjoyment, anticipated in early 2009.
Ride the trolley, meet the artists
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On the third Thursday of each month during the evening hours you may catch a glimpse of a bright red and green trolley car maneuvering around the downtown area. It’s all part of the Downtown Art Walk, a collaboration of galleries, museums, restaurants, wineries and more. The number of participating fine art establishments continue to increase with each months event.
The next is scheduled on July 17 and includes over 12 stops on the tour. Additionally, many downtown merchants are keeping their doors open later that evening to benefit from the added number of downtown visitors. The trolley service begins at 6:30 pm and runs until 9 pm. Art walk maps such as the one pictured are provided at downtown businesses or you can pick one up in the trolley car. Added information is available at:
- San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Love Street - 325-653-3333
- San Angelo Cultural Affairs Council, 36 E. Twohig, Suite
- Downtown San Angelo, Inc., 36 E. Twohig, Suite 110 - 325-655-1234
South Chadbourne alive with activity…
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You may have noticed construction taking place at 206 & 208 S. Chadbourne. In addition, a new façade has been added. Crystal Goodman, muralist, put the finishing touches on what now duplicates the redbrick finish of the Dead Horse Saloon at 210 S. Chadbourne.
Operators of this venue are expanding into the neighboring building and have numerous plans including an outdoor seating area. Kathleen Hicks stated that surely Oscar Ruffini must be smiling down as another of his buildings is returning to its original look, or at least as close as is possible.
The Dead Horse Music Venue is developing a good following as rock bands from New York, Los Angeles and others nationwide are making plans to stop and perform in San Angelo when they are scheduled nearby in cities such as San Antonio, Dallas and Houston. The establishment is at full capacity most evenings and especially on weekends. Owners hope the expansion will provide the opportunity to serve a larger crowd.
One thing is sure, downtown San Angelo has seen a significant rise in night life with the addition of Fat Bosses Pub, and The Dead Horse. Another step to a downtown buzzing with activity.
Paving and parking
A recent survey of downtown property and business owners requesting a vote to increase the current 1 & 2 hour parking limits resulted in a majority favoring increased parking time limits. As a result, Downtown San Angelo, Inc. recently went to the City to request a standardized three hour parking limit in the downtown area. Areas currently designated for unlimited parking will not be affected.
The proposal was presented to the City Council at two separate meetings, and was approved. By the end of July the three hour limit signs should be in place.
The new limits will be monitored for a year to determine the impact on business owners and their customers.
Additionally you may see street crews applying a seal-coat to downtown streets. This involves the application of a thin layer of liquid asphalt covered with aggregate. The sealcoat provides surface protection as it keeps water from penetrating the pavement surface causing surface deterioration. The end results are an extension of roadway lifespan, decreased maintenance costs and finally resurfacing provides a fitting skidresistant surface for vehicles to travel on.
Crews will apply the sealcoat during evening and early morning hours in order to cause as little inconvenience to the public as possible.
A map of the city streets designated for pavement is available in the DSA office at 36 E. Twohig, Suite 110.
Sheep deposited at bank
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Greeting banking customers at the Wells Fargo Bank Building at 36 W. Beauregard is most recently placed sheep art project. Appropriately called “Common Cents,” this figure was designed by Artist Julie Raymond and is sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank.
Aside from being the shiniest and heaviest of the Sheeptacular entries in the 2007 Miss Wool Contest, this fine form placed as runner up in the pageant.
A contest involving all of the sheep figures in the planning stages, and should provide amusing results for all who participate. “Ewe” don’t want to miss Downtown San Angelo’s October events.
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