Downtown Lawrence has a great Story to tell according to Downtown Lawrence Executive Director Andrew Holt. Holt has been on the job eleven months, coming from Yakima Washington where he held a similar position. He noted the health and vigor of Downtown Lawrence is what attracted him to the community. The purpose of the organization is to promote and enhance the welfare of the downtown, which is the economic and social center off the community. Memberships are held by a variety of businesses and organizations. Since his arrival Holt has created a newsletter for members, increased the organization’s activity on social media and revamped the web site. He has visited Downtown members to become personally familiar with community offerings and needs.
Downtown Lawrence has sponsored candidate forums and a recent town hall on homelessness. The organization maintains an event calendar and offers gift cards for use with downtown merchants. Some of the popular downtown events include Buskerfest, Kaw River Roots Festival, Mid Summer Nights on Mass, Art in the Park and the Christmas Parade. Holt noted that moving home football games this fall due to construction was a big challenge to local merchants. He also reports that two police officers will be permanently assigned to the downtown. Holt says that the downtown experience makes it a destination place and an important part of the community’s identity.
