From press releases.
Redding, CA – The process of inventing a new Downtown Redding has taken another important step forward: The Downtown Mall has a new name and logo.
Using the input generated from five local focus groups from February through April of this year, as well as extensive discussion among dozens of stakeholders and marketing professionals, the heart of Downtown Redding has been renamed “Market Street Promenade.”
“Creating a new name, a new ‘brand,’ for that core space is another step in the ongoing process of transforming Downtown Redding to make it economically viable, and to have it be a wonderful gathering place for residents of the city and the entire county,” said Larry Morgon, recently retired Redevelopment Manager for the City of Redding, who was instrumental in helping guide the process.
The strategy is to create an open space that is destined to become a magnet for shopping, dining and events in the core of Downtown Redding. Taking the roof off the area formerly known as the Downtown Mall, building the Shasta College Health Sciences facility, and completely renovating the three-block area from Tehama Street on the north to Placer Street on the south were important evolutionary steps. The next step is now being implemented — to give the area a new identity and a new “sense of place,” starting with a new name and a new logo.
This fall, Market Street Promenade will kick off an aggressive multimedia marketing campaign. The campaign’s focus will be to promote existing and attract new retail businesses — especially in categories like entertainment, food service, boutiques, and galleries — to welcome groups to use Market Street Promenade for shows and events and to create an inviting environment and message to bring customers.
Kenny Breedlove, an owner of Market Street Steakhouse, expressed the sentiment of many downtown Redding business owners: “Market Street Promenade will attract lots of people to downtown, just as the Cascade Theatre has done, and that’s good for all businesses — those on Market Stree,t like our steakhouse, and those on other streets all the way over to Gironda’s.” According to Michele Goedert, facilities manager of Market Street Promenade, strong new momentum is under way, with several groups having already booked events and a number of businesses signing leases.
“In terms of new leases, Development Group Incorporated, a company that designs and builds enterprise-class network solutions for businesses and organizations has leased almost 3,000 square feet in the Atrium Building, the recently renovated building at the south end of the Promenade that houses George Peterson Insurance, Pages and Leatherby’s,” Goedert said. “Also, QT Patootie, featuring children’s merchandise and gifts, will open in September near Janine’s Jewelry and California Décor. Twelve other businesses have signed or renewed leases at Market Street Promenade this year. They include Hanna’s Gallery, Janine’s Jewelry, Market Street Uniforms, Classic Trendz Boutique, Marinello’s Beauty School (a national chain), College Options, Headlines Beauty Salon, Kimberly Nicole Boutique, Pages, Natural Care for Wellness, Schnetzer Engineering, Inc., and Jamie Reindel Personal Trainer.”
Celebrating the renaming, the 2nd Saturday ArtHop, Redding’s monthly arts event, kicks off at Market Street Promenade Saturday, Sept. 12, at 5 p.m., with a free community concert by the Enterprise High School Jazz Band, the HawkMan Studios Art Attack, and an interactive art experience at Need-2-Speed. From 6 to 9, more than 40 participating downtown businesses will feature work by regional artists – painters and sculptors, jewelry makers, photographers and musicians.
To close out the evening, at 9:15 p.m. Enjoy Magazine will present a free full-screen showing of the classic romantic comedy “Roman Holiday,” starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, on the green at the north end of Market Street Promenade.
The following Saturday, Sept.19, Market Street Promenade is the stage for Viva Downtown Redding and Result Radio’s 12th annual Redding Beer and Wine Festival, a huge celebration with live entertainment and music, booths, and, of course, lots of fabulous beers and wines to sample.
