Page 72 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2020

DOWNTOWNS
Making
Downtown
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos by Teddy Lewis
D and courtesy of Niko and Cali Rob
owntowns play a unique role in economic and social development, creating central locations where commercial, cultural and civic activities
can converge. Here on the Gulf Coast, beauti cation e orts are always underway, ensuring that downtown areas continue to drive tourism and increase community engagement. These projects are essential to creating places that draw people in, whether it be for the food, the fun, or the scenery.
Public artwork is just one of the many ways that cities bring authenticity to their downtown areas. One of the most well-known examples of beauti cation projects
is Gulfport’s Fishbone Alley, which won the National Main Street Center’s “Innovation on Main Street” award in 2017. The “Urban Living Room” project spearheaded by the Gulfport Main Street Association turned an underused, unattractive alley into a vibrant public space, featuring century-old brick pavers, colorful and funky murals, and enchanting lighting.
After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the city of Gulfport and Gulfport Main Street began working on a streetscape plan for the city’s downtown area. “This plan has been through three phases,” said Gulfport Main Street Director Laurie Toups. “From re-building downtown to Fishbone Alley, Gulfport has a focused vision of our streetscape projects.”
Right next door, the city of Biloxi is also enhancing its downtown area. The Downtown Biloxi Public Art Project is a 100 percent community funded project that has already added 12 amazing murals to the city’s streets.
“People want to see art and they want access to art, but they might not always be comfortable going to art spaces like galleries or museums. So, this way we
ABOVE: GULF COAST STRONG by Cali Rob. BELOW: Fishbone Alley.
BOTTOM: THE CASQUETTE GIRLS by Niko.
72 | July 2020
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bring it to them,” said Biloxi
Main Street President Corey
Christy. “Several people have
commented that they didn’t even know they wanted to see it, but then they do and they love it and support it.”
The Biloxi Main Street District recently announced a Downtown Facade Grant Program, which includes the area from Porter Ave. and Bellman St. to the railroad track and Caillavet St. Through this grant, ve recipients will receive grants for up to $750 each, meant to assist businesses and commercial property owners with improving building appearance.
“We hope that this grant will give businesses the opportunity to put a new face on the way goods and services are marketed in Biloxi,” said Kay Miller, Biloxi downtown services manager. “Grants can be used for beauti cation e orts such as exterior painting, repairs, and approved decorative enhancements.”