City of Prescott officials believe the newly designated “Downtown Entertainment District” will provide more opportunities for businesses to grow and expand in the central core of Prescott.
“I think it’s the right place to be – in the heart of Prescott near the iconic Courthouse Square that is recognized across the state and country as being unique in American cities,” said Kendall Jaspers, executive director of the Prescott Downtown Partnership. “By law, a city can have only one designated entertainment area, so the only logical place in Prescott was that approved by the City Council. The city did the right thing.”
Andre DeFrietas, a co-owner of the Jersey Lilly Saloon, said he was hopeful the descriptor would result in more statewide and regional awareness for Prescott, especially the block-long stretch of buildings known as Whiskey Row on Montezuma Street. “If more visitors and tourists learn about us because of the new district, then everyone downtown will benefit.”
The formal designation, which describes an area a bit more than one square half mile, is roughly boundaried by Sonora and Granite Creek on the north to Audrey on the south; and Sixth Street and Alarcon on the east to Summit and McCormick on the west.
Kendall said he did not envision any immediate major changes, but instead, thought it would give merchants and businesses in the District a chance to strategically plan opportunities for branding and marketing. “Our board for the Prescott Downtown Partnership did not take a formal vote, but the strong general feeling is supportive,” he said.
Among the biggest changes that result from the designation is the possible waiver of current requirements of a 300-foot buffer between churches and schools from places that serve liquor, explained City Attorney Joe Paladini. He said that buffer allows the city to consider waivers by examining each situation or request individually. He added the new designation makes possible a downtown arts, entertainment and cultural venue.
“Now that the District has been approved by the City Council, it is technically in place,” said City of Prescott Community Outreach Manager John Heiney. “People need to know that before the question went to City Council, staff members, including me, spent hours visiting with all businesses within the proposed district to educate them and to get their opinions. The majority were supportive. We now have a defined entertainment area which allows the city to market and promote it as such. It is generally seen as business friendly. It allows the City Council to approve unique business concepts on a case-by-case basis.”
Jaspers’s and Heiney’s opinions came after unanimous approval of the concept by the Prescott City Council during its Aug. 8 meeting. QCNM
By Ray Newton, QCBN
(Photo by Ray Newton)