Reframing Downtown: A new vision for Main Street

The Springville-Mapleton Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Springville City on an initiative called “Reframing Downtown.” Reframing Downtown is creating Springville’s community-driven vision for the future of downtown Main Street.

Downtown Springville has historically been Springville’s core of business and social life, a patchwork quilt of successful businesses, eateries and cultural destinations. We are building a cohesive vision to connect existing improvements and future developments.

The Reframe Downtown project is creating a master plan for the future design of Main Street, considering vehicular and pedestrian safety, improving the downtown experience and planning for future growth and development.

The project began in June 2022 with a city-wide survey, which received an incredible 4,000 responses. The survey’s results clearly showed what respondents value:

Top 5 Desires On Main Street

1. Restaurants

2. Destinations like theaters, museums, and community centers

3. Specialty retailers like small local retailers

4. Open space and/or parks

5. Daily needs retailers, like a small grocery

Throughout the engagement process, starting with the thousands of responses to the online survey and the hundreds of comments, map pins, post-it notes, and conversations with stakeholders and residents, three themes consistently emerged: character, art, and food.

Character

Springville’s historic core between 400 South and 200 South is its most notable asset, largely due to the character along this area of Main Street. Community members recognized this area for the historic architecture, consolidation of shops and overall comfort of the area.

It was noted that vehicular traffic deteriorates Springville’s “small town feel.” Springville community members would like to see a more vibrant Main Street through characteristics brought by local boutiques, outdoor dining and flexible places to gather.

Art

The Springville Museum of Art is beloved in the community. Springville’s identity as the “Art City” is still accepted, although it is a consensus that art as identity should be built upon. Community members noted that improvements to the Rivoli Theater, an amphitheater or a drive-in theater could advance the idea of “Art City” to include performance art such as dance, music, and theater.

Interest in building on Springville’s current art collection includes additional murals and different types of sculptures. Connectivity improvements from the art museum to Main Street is an opportunity to strengthen art along Main Street.

Food

Springville residents want more variety in cuisine, atmosphere and price. It was clear that Springville has plenty of pizza options and a lack of desire for additional fast food. Springville residents love the Farmer’s Market but wish there was a year-round option.

There is desire for a local grocery store and for street improvements that will improve outdoor dining opportunities and connectivity to Main Street dining options. Food has the potential to contribute to Springville’s “small-town feel,” providing opportunity to keep shopping and dining options in Springville, adding to the sense of place along Main Street.

Springville’s population is projected to grow significantly over the next several decades, increasing by nearly 25,000 residents in the next 25 years. Businesses and the Springville-Mapleton Chamber of Commerce will work together to create a sense of place, defining the Historic Town Center District.

To learn more about Reframing Downtown, scan this QR code.