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whats the chances on the northern lights express being built? and if it gets built how will it help duluth? i like duluth and i hope it can get back on track.
I'm guessing from your post that you're 18 to 20-something, and - like most in your age group anywhere - can't wait to "get out of town." There's nothing wrong with that, but it definitely colors your perspective on things.
10. Many would consider the housing stock in Duluth to be one of the draws. Yes, many are deteriorating and need work, but the neighborhoods in Duluth are unique. The complete absence of modern cookie-cutter, McMansion neighborhoods in Duluth is a major draw/appeal for me. I'd hate to see a new development go in if it was the generic crap I see going up around most of Portland, OR or the TC.
9. Weather is all personal taste, I love your weather compared to Portland's.
8-7. Street conditions/cleanliness is a function of the depressed economy and the city's budget and the solutions aren't simple. Could the city have been run more wisely in the past couple of decades? Sure. But what I see in Duluth isn't a lot different than I see in other cities its size. I've never found conditions there to be offensive or "dirty".
6. I personally like an "indie, coffee shop, rustic feel." But that and people's attitudes about development aren't strickly tied together. I've met several entrepreneurial types in Duluth and I KNOW many people there are interested in seeing development increase.
5-3. I happen to like downtown Duluth. Not nearly as bad as you make it out to be. Same with Canal Park. Lack of night life is only an issue for the college age crowd. Us "more mature types" (read as graying hair) couldn't give a rip!
2. Here is perhaps your best point yet. I'll have to admit that most college towns I've seen have a much more vibrant coffee shop, restuarant, bookstore, thrift shop style business district adjacent to them. Maybe a good opportunity for a developer?
1. The job market is bad nearly everywhere these days. It certainly is bad here in Portland as well. Duluth could do more to become business/development friendly and market itself as more than a tourist destination. I have to grant you that. But there are still A LOT of positives about Duluth that will continue to attract people.
If you're looking for trendy, yuppie, squeeky clean and shiny new, that is never going to be Duluth (and shouldn't be). That sort of development requires a much larger population base. Portland is about as small as you can get and still see that kind of thing. Without a much larger population, the potential clientele and dollars aren't there to make it work.
... Just thought a "more mature (older) perspective was needed. I, for one, would love to be in Duluth. If family didn't require me to be in Portland, I would probably already be there!
As for Duluth hitting 100,000 again... Probably no; but 90,000-95,000 could be a reasonable goal for the next decade if the city gets smarter about encouraging development and investment.
I'm guessing from your post that you're 18 to 20-something, and - like most in your age group anywhere - can't wait to "get out of town." There's nothing wrong with that, but it definitely colors your perspective on things.
10. Many would consider the housing stock in Duluth to be one of the draws. Yes, many are deteriorating and need work, but the neighborhoods in Duluth are unique. The complete absence of modern cookie-cutter, McMansion neighborhoods in Duluth is a major draw/appeal for me. I'd hate to see a new development go in if it was the generic crap I see going up around most of Portland, OR or the TC.
9. Weather is all personal taste, I love your weather compared to Portland's.
8-7. Street conditions/cleanliness is a function of the depressed economy and the city's budget and the solutions aren't simple. Could the city have been run more wisely in the past couple of decades? Sure. But what I see in Duluth isn't a lot different than I see in other cities its size. I've never found conditions there to be offensive or "dirty".
6. I personally like an "indie, coffee shop, rustic feel." But that and people's attitudes about development aren't strickly tied together. I've met several entrepreneurial types in Duluth and I KNOW many people there are interested in seeing development increase.
5-3. I happen to like downtown Duluth. Not nearly as bad as you make it out to be. Same with Canal Park. Lack of night life is only an issue for the college age crowd. Us "more mature types" (read as graying hair) couldn't give a rip!
2. Here is perhaps your best point yet. I'll have to admit that most college towns I've seen have a much more vibrant coffee shop, restuarant, bookstore, thrift shop style business district adjacent to them. Maybe a good opportunity for a developer?
1. The job market is bad nearly everywhere these days. It certainly is bad here in Portland as well. Duluth could do more to become business/development friendly and market itself as more than a tourist destination. I have to grant you that. But there are still A LOT of positives about Duluth that will continue to attract people.
If you're looking for trendy, yuppie, squeeky clean and shiny new, that is never going to be Duluth (and shouldn't be). That sort of development requires a much larger population base. Portland is about as small as you can get and still see that kind of thing. Without a much larger population, the potential clientele and dollars aren't there to make it work.
... Just thought a "more mature (older) perspective was needed. I, for one, would love to be in Duluth. If family didn't require me to be in Portland, I would probably already be there!
As for Duluth hitting 100,000 again... Probably no; but 90,000-95,000 could be a reasonable goal for the next decade if the city gets smarter about encouraging development and investment.
No, I'm a mid-20s something, young professional, who got relocated to Duluth for a job. I have been here for nearly 2 years, and it's so tough because I love Duluth for everything that it is, and I also hate it for everything that it is too. It's a tough toss up. While the city has SO much potential (Geography, Nature, The Lake, INTERESTING and DISTINCT NEIGHBORHOODS, 3 Colleges in Town) there are just so many things wrong with the place.
- - - I love that Duluth has distinct neighborhoods - Chester, Lincoln Park, West D, Congdon, Kenwood, Central Hillside, East, etc.
- - - I also love that Duluth has unique homes, like you mentioned. The 1920s mansions, especially on the east side are incredible. BUT, that still doesn't take away from the fact and the problem that there is a serious housing condidtion problem here. If things don't start to get fixed in the next 20 years, we are going to see some serious dilapidated homes and some major falling-apart-too-much-too late homes.
- - - Maybe because I grew up in suburbia of the Twin Cities where developments, properties and buildings were always new and changing adn shiny, but it just seems like the roads and buildings are old and falling apart. Look at the signage of businesses on 4th street. They are original signage from the 1970s. Ok, spend the $500 and get a new sign to improve your business....
- - - While Downtown is cool, it's still not very nice or unique. It's even changed a ton since I moved here 2 years ago, but still nothing to write home about. It's actually quite weird. What I don't get is the 'Entertainment' district. They have Blackwater, which is a brand new, trendy place, right down the road from a Casino and a closed strip club. Ok, so you have this niche downtown area that is designated for entertainment and all the residents and city leaders want Nor Shore to be turned into an independent arts theater, like Zeitgiest. Talk about oversaturation... Give the 18-35 yr old demographic something to come to Duluth for. Watching ships and trotting down the boardwalk and eating dinner at Grandmas gets old after about the 3rd time. Make the Entertainment a little more entertaining....
- - - I think the college problem is just going to stay... It's tough that it's so far away from downtown. Many students I know think of it as a burden to 'go out'.
- - - While trendy, nightspots aren't on everybodies wish list, it's something that cities need to consider. You have a demographic of 18-30 somethings that spend their money at places like such. Do you want another coffee shop for the aging baby boomer liberal hippies or a nightclub where bone head kids will drop $50 into the local economy every weekend?
I know Duluth is changin' and it's going to just take time, and I am pulling for the City. I am active in promoting what Duluth DOES have to offer. I think with a couple really decent employers and citizen involvment and the willingness to change, Duluth could become a 'Sioux Falls', Madison, or Omaha and not a glorified Willmar.
No, I'm a mid-20s something, young professional, who got relocated to Duluth for a job. I have been here for nearly 2 years, and it's so tough because I love Duluth for everything that it is, and I also hate it for everything that it is too. It's a tough toss up. While the city has SO much potential (Geography, Nature, The Lake, INTERESTING and DISTINCT NEIGHBORHOODS, 3 Colleges in Town) there are just so many things wrong with the place.
- - - I love that Duluth has distinct neighborhoods - Chester, Lincoln Park, West D, Congdon, Kenwood, Central Hillside, East, etc.
- - - I also love that Duluth has unique homes, like you mentioned. The 1920s mansions, especially on the east side are incredible. BUT, that still doesn't take away from the fact and the problem that there is a serious housing condidtion problem here. If things don't start to get fixed in the next 20 years, we are going to see some serious dilapidated homes and some major falling-apart-too-much-too late homes.
- - - Maybe because I grew up in suburbia of the Twin Cities where developments, properties and buildings were always new and changing adn shiny, but it just seems like the roads and buildings are old and falling apart. Look at the signage of businesses on 4th street. They are original signage from the 1970s. Ok, spend the $500 and get a new sign to improve your business....
- - - While Downtown is cool, it's still not very nice or unique. It's even changed a ton since I moved here 2 years ago, but still nothing to write home about. It's actually quite weird. What I don't get is the 'Entertainment' district. They have Blackwater, which is a brand new, trendy place, right down the road from a Casino and a closed strip club. Ok, so you have this niche downtown area that is designated for entertainment and all the residents and city leaders want Nor Shore to be turned into an independent arts theater, like Zeitgiest. Talk about oversaturation... Give the 18-35 yr old demographic something to come to Duluth for. Watching ships and trotting down the boardwalk and eating dinner at Grandmas gets old after about the 3rd time. Make the Entertainment a little more entertaining....
- - - I think the college problem is just going to stay... It's tough that it's so far away from downtown. Many students I know think of it as a burden to 'go out'.
- - - While trendy, nightspots aren't on everybodies wish list, it's something that cities need to consider. You have a demographic of 18-30 somethings that spend their money at places like such. Do you want another coffee shop for the aging baby boomer liberal hippies or a nightclub where bone head kids will drop $50 into the local economy every weekend?
I know Duluth is changin' and it's going to just take time, and I am pulling for the City. I am active in promoting what Duluth DOES have to offer. I think with a couple really decent employers and citizen involvment and the willingness to change, Duluth could become a 'Sioux Falls', Madison, or Omaha and not a glorified Willmar.
I had to rep you for your response. We may have more in common than I thought!
No, I'm a mid-20s something, young professional, who got relocated to Duluth for a job. I have been here for nearly 2 years, and it's so tough because I love Duluth for everything that it is, and I also hate it for everything that it is too. It's a tough toss up. While the city has SO much potential (Geography, Nature, The Lake, INTERESTING and DISTINCT NEIGHBORHOODS, 3 Colleges in Town) there are just so many things wrong with the place.
- - - I love that Duluth has distinct neighborhoods - Chester, Lincoln Park, West D, Congdon, Kenwood, Central Hillside, East, etc.
- - - I also love that Duluth has unique homes, like you mentioned. The 1920s mansions, especially on the east side are incredible. BUT, that still doesn't take away from the fact and the problem that there is a serious housing condidtion problem here. If things don't start to get fixed in the next 20 years, we are going to see some serious dilapidated homes and some major falling-apart-too-much-too late homes.
- - - Maybe because I grew up in suburbia of the Twin Cities where developments, properties and buildings were always new and changing adn shiny, but it just seems like the roads and buildings are old and falling apart. Look at the signage of businesses on 4th street. They are original signage from the 1970s. Ok, spend the $500 and get a new sign to improve your business....
- - - While Downtown is cool, it's still not very nice or unique. It's even changed a ton since I moved here 2 years ago, but still nothing to write home about. It's actually quite weird. What I don't get is the 'Entertainment' district. They have Blackwater, which is a brand new, trendy place, right down the road from a Casino and a closed strip club. Ok, so you have this niche downtown area that is designated for entertainment and all the residents and city leaders want Nor Shore to be turned into an independent arts theater, like Zeitgiest. Talk about oversaturation... Give the 18-35 yr old demographic something to come to Duluth for. Watching ships and trotting down the boardwalk and eating dinner at Grandmas gets old after about the 3rd time. Make the Entertainment a little more entertaining....
- - - I think the college problem is just going to stay... It's tough that it's so far away from downtown. Many students I know think of it as a burden to 'go out'.
- - - While trendy, nightspots aren't on everybodies wish list, it's something that cities need to consider. You have a demographic of 18-30 somethings that spend their money at places like such. Do you want another coffee shop for the aging baby boomer liberal hippies or a nightclub where bone head kids will drop $50 into the local economy every weekend?
I know Duluth is changin' and it's going to just take time, and I am pulling for the City. I am active in promoting what Duluth DOES have to offer. I think with a couple really decent employers and citizen involvment and the willingness to change, Duluth could become a 'Sioux Falls', Madison, or Omaha and not a glorified Willmar.
What you have described is typical of every small city in America when faced with declining population numbers.
If --suburbia Twin Cities had declining population numbers the same would be evident there.
Well, UMD may purchase Woodland Middle School next year and add mixed use development housing, cafes etc. So, with a little luck, that trendy College neighborhood may start there.
I always thought it would be a good idea for UMD to buy some old buidlings downtown and turn them into classroom and housing space, but I suppose they do not want two separate campuses.
The new housing developments are on the edge of town off Kenwood Ave and Howard Gnesen Rd, off Arrowhead and tucked behind the mall, out east of 50 Ave below Hawks Ridge, and the others are smaller developments that are in-fill housing in established neighborhoods.
The city has also set aside monies to start demolishing old housing stalk that is abandonded. That will be a big help. Also, they have a new way to fine and remove the licenses of absentee landlords that keep their properties in poor condition or have too many police calls. Another step in the right direction. Another new feature is the way the city is attacking road construction (especially this year) they are doubling the amount of contruction over last year. Drive around town. You can't miss it.
I agree with you that the Norshor is oversaturation with the Zeitgeist Theater right there too. I'm just glad a strip club is closed down. It was a good idea to host some of the homegrown music festival in that space this year. YOu have to give the are a chance to grow. There more restaurants, pubs, and other places moving in some redeveloped buildings in the enxt moht or two. You have Dub-hlin (sp), Carmody, Zeitgeist Theater and Restaurant, Hannabi's, Blackwater, 311 Superior, the new duluth Tycoons opening in the renovated old city hall and the Radison has remodeled and reinvented their restaurant at the other end of the street.
After living here for 8 years, the redevelopment for Duluth has actually moved at lighting speed seeing that NOTHING was there when I was the 18 year old egtting the hell out of this town way back when.
What you have described is typical of every small city in America when faced with declining population numbers.
If --suburbia Twin Cities had declining population numbers the same would be evident there.
Eh, that still doesn't mean that homeowners in the city shouldn't be accountable for their property. It's sad. You drive by house after house and a simple day out in the yard would do wonders. Chopping down overgrown shrubs, picking up garbage, fixing a fence/window/door, and picking up a $50 can of paint and slapping it on your siding. It's not like everybody in Duluth has a job where they are working 80 hrs a week and have no time.
The population of Duluth isn't declining either. The actual term would be stagnated. A 1990s census estimated the city at around 85,000. The 2000 census estimated around a 85,000. The 2009 estimate had Duluth at 85,000 and I wouldn't be suprised if the 2010 shows Duluth at 85,000. Plus Hermantown and surrounding Townships have grown. The only real exception in Superior, WI which has been declining.
I know that there are 'A lot of Unique homes in the East Side' and the 'old style of homes gives the city character', yeah yeah, I know all the arguments, but on the wide-scale, Duluth's housing stock is pure garbage. come on people, clean up your homes. Where do you spend your money? It's sure not on vehicles, as you still see vehicles from the 1970s on the roads here, and it's not shocking to see 1980s box cars rolling around.
Well, UMD may purchase Woodland Middle School next year and add mixed use development housing, cafes etc. So, with a little luck, that trendy College neighborhood may start there.
I always thought it would be a good idea for UMD to buy some old buidlings downtown and turn them into classroom and housing space, but I suppose they do not want two separate campuses.
The new housing developments are on the edge of town off Kenwood Ave and Howard Gnesen Rd, off Arrowhead and tucked behind the mall, out east of 50 Ave below Hawks Ridge, and the others are smaller developments that are in-fill housing in established neighborhoods.
The city has also set aside monies to start demolishing old housing stalk that is abandonded. That will be a big help. Also, they have a new way to fine and remove the licenses of absentee landlords that keep their properties in poor condition or have too many police calls. Another step in the right direction. Another new feature is the way the city is attacking road construction (especially this year) they are doubling the amount of contruction over last year. Drive around town. You can't miss it.
I agree with you that the Norshor is oversaturation with the Zeitgeist Theater right there too. I'm just glad a strip club is closed down. It was a good idea to host some of the homegrown music festival in that space this year. YOu have to give the are a chance to grow. There more restaurants, pubs, and other places moving in some redeveloped buildings in the enxt moht or two. You have Dub-hlin (sp), Carmody, Zeitgeist Theater and Restaurant, Hannabi's, Blackwater, 311 Superior, the new duluth Tycoons opening in the renovated old city hall and the Radison has remodeled and reinvented their restaurant at the other end of the street.
After living here for 8 years, the redevelopment for Duluth has actually moved at lighting speed seeing that NOTHING was there when I was the 18 year old egtting the hell out of this town way back when.
I agree with almost everything you said. Like I mentioned, in my 2 years here I have seen tons of changes so it's really cool to see.
I wish there was some sort of Venue for music. Maybe something like that could be done for NorShor. It would be cool to have an actual venue, but they don't really make money. Duluth does a good job at brining in mid-market acts to the DECC, like Rob Zombie, and those kind of semi-super star, too big for towns like St. Cloud and Mankato, but still willing to do shows in Duluths, Fargos, and Rockford, ILs.
It gets old having to drive to the Twin cities for every act out there.
The biggest thing Duluth can do is tackle the housing stock. Either buy and destroy or hold landlord accountable for their properties. I used to work for a City in the MEtro where we would have Code Enforcment. We woudl send threatening letters to homeowners if they had grass too long, poor siding/roof/facia/paint, junk in yard, overgrown landscaping, etc. If they didn't comply it resulted in a $45 fee. The city made big time money, plus kept neighborhoods clean. Probably sounds evil right? This was PRAISED by homeowners and they LOVED it. It held people accountable. If you are wanting to have a stack of junky rubber tires on the front lawn, cool, but you're going to get threatening letters and a fine.
Do homeowners in Duluth NOT understand that even poor paint and a broken windown can lower property values? Ever heard of the Broken Window theory? If a kid walks through a neighborhood and see's a house with a broken window, that kid is more likely to throw a rock through the neighbor's window than had they never seen the broken one. It's all trickle-down. If your neighbor in Duluth has a crappy looking house, you're less inclined to 'keep up with the Joneses' thus resulting in a crap house you live in.
Eh, that still doesn't mean that homeowners in the city shouldn't be accountable for their property. It's sad. You drive by house after house and a simple day out in the yard would do wonders. Chopping down overgrown shrubs, picking up garbage, fixing a fence/window/door, and picking up a $50 can of paint and slapping it on your siding. It's not like everybody in Duluth has a job where they are working 80 hrs a week and have no time.
The population of Duluth isn't declining either. The actual term would be stagnated. A 1990s census estimated the city at around 85,000. The 2000 census estimated around a 85,000. The 2009 estimate had Duluth at 85,000 and I wouldn't be suprised if the 2010 shows Duluth at 85,000. Plus Hermantown and surrounding Townships have grown. The only real exception in Superior, WI which has been declining.
I know that there are 'A lot of Unique homes in the East Side' and the 'old style of homes gives the city character', yeah yeah, I know all the arguments, but on the wide-scale, Duluth's housing stock is pure garbage. come on people, clean up your homes. Where do you spend your money? It's sure not on vehicles, as you still see vehicles from the 1970s on the roads here, and it's not shocking to see 1980s box cars rolling around.
First, I agree completely. However, there are a disproportionate number of absentee landlords contributing to that problem. Second, there are a lot of elderly on fixed incomes that can't fix up their houses and there are too few assited living (although that has changed slightly with newer places being built). Last, Duluth has 19% of it's population under the poverty line and obviously they can't afford a home or to fix one up if they have it. (If challeneged, I can find the source. Someone on this forum went back and forth about the stagnant population of Duluth and growth of Hermantown after three different sources I provided said the same thing).
Thank you, thank you for noticing that Duluth is stagnant and not in full decline any longer. Very few people seem to get that.
whats the chances on the northern lights express being built? and if it gets built how will it help duluth? i like duluth and i hope it can get back on track.
That part has yet to be proven. It will certainly help bring in visitors. Duluth already has a HUGE tourist draw, but I still think it's a very untapped market. Sure, many people go to Duluth for a weekend, but growing up in the Cities, I know Tons of people who have never been to Duluth... I have lived here for 2 years and have only had 1 person come and visit me because "the drive sucks", and it does. I35 is a long and boring drive. Just think if you could take a high speed train to Duluth. Get there in 90 mins. Day trips and weekend trips would go up a lot. You don't really need a car in Duluth once you're here. Duluth has taxis and is quite walkable if you're down with the Canal Park and Downtown Scene.
I think it would also be beneficial for those who still want to live in 'the cities' but have a job opp. in Duluth. You can still live in Forest Lake, Shoreview, Cambridge, and be apart of the 'metro', but can take a 60 minute train ride to work in Duluth, where you can do work on your laptop, eat, sleep or read.
It would also be beneficial for those who want to live in Duluth, but have a job in the Twin Cities.
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