Page 105 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2015

restored and renovated more than
80 building facades. The plan was created and implemented using
funds from the city, the Mississippi Development Authority’s Community Revitalization program, and part of the city’s Hurricane Katrina Recovery Funds. Private property owners received grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000.
“Downtown Gulfport already
had many of the key ingredients to become the major destination for business, specialty retail, restaurants and residential living along the Coast,” Toups said.
Since the completion of this program, 40 new businesses have opened in downtown Gulfport and there has been more than $300,000 in private and additional public reinvestment in the district.
The need for a Streetscape project was also addressed. A resource team through Mississippi Main Street identified Streetscape projects that were phased in over time
and supported the critical mass of investment in the downtown core area.
Elements comprising this project include sidewalk paving, parallel parking along 25th Avenue, expanded sidewalks at intersections, well- delineated crosswalks, trees, accent plantings, ornamental lighting and street furniture, benches and bike racks. This project is on-going with projected costs of approximately $10 million.
Parker is optimistic that downtown growth will continue. He hopes to see more Class A office space and residential spaces. “Currently we are working with several different development groups to bring residential spaces to downtown Gulfport,” he said. “I can’t wait
to see the downtown community develop into a sense of place.
The residents who decide to live downtown will drive the demands and opportunities economically for the next decade.”
• Bow Ties & Beignets, August 28 (National Bow Tie Day) at Island
View Casino Towers
This event will raise funds for a rubber sidewalk throughout the playground area of the Harrison
County Children’s Emergency Shelter. Tickets of $25 – general admission,
and $50 – premium admission will be available soon. The premium admission includes breakfast and a limited edition, tailor-made silk bow tie commemorating the 10th Anniversary of Katrina.
• Anchor Fest, September 26 and 27, in Jones Park
The fest includes a wooden boat show, music, children’s activities, barbecue contest, arts and crafts and local cuisine. • View the Cruise, October 4, downtown There will be hundreds of Cruisin’ the Coast cars, a Kids’ Zone and two live music stages.
• Historic District Foodie Tournament, October 26
Billed as a walking dream for gastronomes, this tour will feature famous Gulfport citizens talking about history while strolling to local restaurants for cooking demonstrations and talks.
• Veterans’ Day Parade and Red, White
& Blue Festival, November 7
The parade will be held in downtown followed by the festival in Jones Park. • Also, a fabulous drive through display of Christmas Lights is being planned for Jones Park this Holiday season.
More to come...
Like Gulfport Main Street on Facebook to keep up with what we’re doing! Laurie Toups 228.868.3414 ltoups@gulfport-ms.gov
Bring friends & family to these Special Events coming up in Downtown Gulfport:
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
August 2015 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 105