BAKERSFIELD REDEVELOPMENT THEME

The rumors are rife about our current Bakersfield downtown redevelopment “Entertainment Theme” center. The connections between the proposed Multi-use Stadium and the adjacent proposed development seems to be dependent on financing for both private and public development functions.

Bakersfield might be comparable to Albuquerque that also has a reputation for suburban sprawl. However Albuquerque is finally beginning to see revitalization in its downtown. The city center got its first 14-screen state of the art movie theatre and is successfully drawing people from outlying areas. New restaurants are opening, a new transportation center is being developed, even an exhibition center and mixed-use is contemplated.

This sounds similar to Bakersfield’s expectations except for Albuquerque’s hundreds of new downtown dwellings, which have been planned. To spend a day or an evening without having to get into a car to go to each destination is paramount. This means that structured parking should be considered as an essential ingredient of destination for citizens within the pedestrian bounds of the project area.

A most important feature is not just the commercial amenities but also another magnet that needs attention. It means that in addition to making the proposed “Entertainment Center” it also needs the creation of an attractive central place for our metro citizens to congregate. This means a more adequate public space area than the micro public space left over in front of the “Centennial Gardens”.

Is it not a gift that Bakersfield has a canal that affords an extraordinary opportunity to create a creek as a water feature to traverse between three city blocks? It is these edges that create high values to adjacent real estate development. Surely with a little more imagination together with a few small incentives and adjustments this area could become what Bakersfolks have longed for many years to develop?

This area is a diamond in the rough and deserves a great urban design to demonstrate it’s worth to the community.

BY Graham Kaye-Eddie – Master Urban Designer.

Makabusi Inc. – Bakersfield – California

Email – makabusi@pacbell.net

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KCOG Officionado please do diligence and read some of this web site for your information.