FRESNO (KMJ) — Downtown Fresno’s Fulton Street is at least ten years away from attracting big name stores, according to the city’s former mayor Ashley Swearengin.
“In our research in looking at opening up the mall, we knew that it would take at least a decade for national retailers to move into a traditional ‘main street.’
“So usually the first decade of revitalization comes from the those local small businesses that get their start and grow,” revealed Swearengin.
The conversion of Fulton Mall into Fulton Street cost approximately $20 million. The grand opening on October 21st 2017 saw a large crowd fill the newly opened space to herald the start of what is considered a new lease of life for Downtown Fresno (click here to read more).
“What makes Fulton Street so special? Number one: the beautiful historic buildings and the public art that you won’t find anything like it in all of the Central Valley.
“Then number two: being able to connect with and support local businesses that have such unique and creative things that they’re offering,” explained Swearengin.
The artwork in particular received particular attention, with the Downtown Fresno Partnership describing it as “in pieces.” It has since been restored to its former glory.
“We’re not going to let it get into that condition ever again,” established the group’s Craig Scharton.
The goal now is to encourage small businesses to set up shop on Fulton Street, and Ashley Swearengin is confident that the revitalization is already underway.
“It’s already evident when you see the existing businesses. Their revenue has increased, we’re seeing restaurants all of a sudden are more viable today because of access to those store fronts…literally it’s a matter of weeks and months we’ll see more retailers opening up,” detailed the former mayor.
“Then it’s just a matter of going down and supporting those businesses.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
