"So Go Downtown, Things'll Be Great When You're Downtown"

What kinds of emotions does the word “downtown” evoke? How has their stature in communities changed over time? Why is downtown Ft. Myers experiencing something of a renaissance? What are some of the prominent architectural features? How (and why) are they designed to rekindle the “pedestrian” spirit? Discuss some other “nods to history” that we saw on our tour. How has the economy of Ft. Myers evolved from past to present? How does all of this relate to sustainability?

“We can forget all our troubles, forget all our cares

So go downtown, things'll be great when you're

Downtown - don't wait a minute for

Downtown - everything's waiting for you”

*Petula Clark*

When I think of the world “downtown,” it makes me think of art/music festivals, local dining, great atmosphere, and happy people. Downtown is where the locals can come and congregate, and just relax, while enjoying the company of others; whether they are family, friends, and/or new acquaintances.  Most people enjoy the downtown area on their time off.  It is where they can relax and not have to worry about the stresses that follow them in their busy city life.

Overtime, the downtown area has been misconstrued as a place where the “older folk” can go. The typical count of people, who visited, has gone done over the years.  Many young adults don’t realize that most downtowns have a great nightlife, and that there are even several events that are hosted every month attract people of all ages.

Downtown Ft. Myers is experiencing something of a renaissance because it is being remodeled back to the original concept of a downtown.  There are more local restaurant, bars, boutiques, and art galleries, opening more so now than ever before. The downtown life is being reborn, and it will only continue to prosper.  Some of the prominent architectural features are Neo-Classical Revival Style; found on some of the public buildings, like The Lee County Courthouse, and the First National Bank, as well as Mediterranean Revival; found in the Patio de Leon and the Post Office Arcade, amongst other commercial edifices. This distinct architecture is completely different from the rest of the architecture found in Fort Myers. The buildings are bright, colorful, and very inviting.  The downtown’s architecture is beautiful and filled with history, it encourages pedestrians to want to come and walk around the scenic area.

Some of the “nods to history” that I saw in the tour was the homage to the Olympians, the only museum in the world that displays the artworks of past Olympians.  Several monuments dedicated to Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Harvey Firestone, the great inventors, who all once resided in Fort Myers.  There are even several historical plaques, which mark a certain time in history involving the Calusa natives, amongst other significant moments in time, placed throughout the downtown area.

  

The economy of Ft. Myers has evolved from past to present by becoming more rich in culture as well as a booming financial district.  Before WWII, Fort Myers was highly undeveloped.  Today, it is growing exponentially, with each year bringing more additions, including houses, shopping centers, parks, and so on.  This all relates to sustainability because while, the city continues to grow and prosper, the downtown holds on to the most important aspect, it preserves the history as well as gives people the motivation to enjoy the simple things in life, and not be so affluent.