City of Ellensburg Visitor Center

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3.0 Physical Assessment 3.1 Background In addition to the market assessment,this project engaged in a physical assessment of downtown Ellensburg to evaluate how it is performing,ways in which it can improve,and how it can continue to serve both locals and visitors as evidenced in the market study.The following maps provide insight into the composition of downtown currently and set the stage for recommendations that will follow. 3.2 Existing Conditions Downtown Ellensburg is a Certified Main Street Community by the Washington and National Main Street Programs.The boundary of downtown's official designation is 6th Avenue to the north,Ruby Street to the east,2nd Avenue to the south,and Water Street to the west.Figure 5 on the following page shows this boundary.The "heart"of downtown could be the subject of debate but is generally accepted to be the Intersection of Fourth Avenue and Pearl Street.It is the home to the Rotary Pavilion which is the center point for many downtown events and is bounded by some of the most distinctive architecture in downtown.A core of strong shopping and dining options extend one to three blocks in every direction from this point. Figure 6 shows downtown Ellensburg with amenities,attractions,and educational institutions. These would include Morgan Middle School just outside of the core boundary to the south and Central Washington University and its associated open spaces to the north of the downtown boundary.Within the boundary are four city-owned parking lots,Rotary Pavilion,Rotary Plaza, the Library,Friendship Park,a skate park,and a community garden.The core area is also the home to the Ellensburg Farmers Market,which occurs on the East Fourth Avenue. Figure 7 goes further to show recent investment in downtown Ellensburg and its immediate surroundings.This is a critical exhibit in that it reflects on the dynamic nature of downtown and is not designed to be comprehensive in nature.Investment in downtown is occurring in nearly every part of the district and adjacent areas.Central Washington University is also actively pursuing projects that will reinforce its presence on the south side of University Way. In the center of town,the Geddis Building,mentioned in the introduction of this report,is actively becoming full of storefront tenants.The Elks Building is under renovation into a mixed- use development,Patricia Place apartments (36 units)were completed and are 100%occupied, showing market demand for additional housing.New restaurants have opened,upper floor residential development has been completed,and other renovations are underway. This is a clear sign that downtown Ellensburg is enjoying significant investment,that Central Washington University is growing in a direction that places key locations like a potential visitor center for the campus closer to downtown,and that interest continues in the future success of the community.The goal of the recommendations that follow is to illustrate the kinds of investments that are possible,explore ways to make the visitor experience more vibrant,and continue to invest in downtown. 22