1st Annual Downtown Celebration is a hit with locals

There’s been a lot of chatter about downtown Framingham throughout the 2017 electoral campaign season. However, those who weren’t chatting – mostly business owners, property owners, and community activists – were busy making a tangible difference through hefty financial investments and sweat equity.

“The Downtown Framingham we celebrate today is the product of the American Dream. Generations of families from the Commonwealth and across the globe have set up shops and put their hearts into their businesses, celebrating their diverse cultures,” proclaimed U.S. Congresswoman Kathrine Clark.

On December 18, the sold-out Downtown Celebration highlighted numerous achievements in property enhancements, business milestones, arts and culture exhibitions, and faith-based mission work. Nearly 100 people, including business owners, property owners, non-profit leaders, and government leaders, gathered at La Cantina Restaurant to celebrate 2017 – a year of hard work and fiscal investments. All attendees became members of Downtown Framingham, Inc., and they will be provided citizen or business benefits this year.

The audience loudly applauded the unique and individual efforts that drove measurable results, whether by small businesses, property owners, or community activists. The event was kicked-off by a motivational speech from Congresswoman Katherine Clark about downtown’s diverse cultural offerings which make the economy stronger and community more accepting.

This milestone event was hosted by the local non-profit organization, Downtown Framingham, Inc., which is the rebranded name of Framingham Downtown Renaissance. The organization now reflects a new tagline of “building business, community, and culture”, marking the ongoing efforts to strengthen businesses and enhance the already strong foundation of downtown Framingham. This non-profit executes the four-pronged Main Street America Model to include instilling economic vitality, promotion, organization, and design.

Framingham’s new mayor, Dr. Yvonne Spicer, demonstrated her enthusiasm and inspiration to lead downtown Framingham in 2018. Throughout 2017, Dr. Spicer attended events hosted by Downtown Framingham, Inc., including the Boutique Blitz, Downtown Safety Meeting, and the Downtown Framingham Business Coalition meeting. Through these experiences, she met one-on-one with many business owners and endorsed her support for their own unique cultural offerings. She was not shy to exclaim her love for the Colombian dishes served at Pueblito Paisa.

The Executive Director of Downtown Framingham, Inc., Courtney Thraen, highlighted façade enhancements to historical buildings, including the Wilsonia Building, Amsden Building, Hemenway Building, Bullard Building, and the Tribune Apartments. She also underscored the reconstruction of the commercial property at 199-183 Concord Street following the devastating fire of December 2016. Dazzling photos of internal renovations were shown, emphasizing heavy investments from the new businesses, including Sofa Café and BRZ Insurance. Installation of downtown’s first new bracket sign in decades was also applauded, which hangs at 102 Irving Street at the Danny Sullivan’s venue.

“You’re excited to discover new ways to adapt with the changing times. This small-business flexibility and personal service is not common among big-box or online competitors. Unlike your online competitors, you determine what experience you’d like your customers to have and how they respond in return,” exclaimed Thraen to the captive audience filled with many business owners.

Aside from infrastructure improvements, efforts to host people-oriented activities and drive cohesion between businesses were also described. This year, the arts movement flourished throughout downtown following the closure of the Fountain Street Fine Arts Gallery and Fountain Street Studios. The Framingham Contemporary Artists Group installed a rotating gallery at Springdale Barrel Room, and the Amazing Things Art Center also curated a new gallery at Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing Company. Howard Street Studios, which boasts eight gleaming new artist studios, welcomed the public in December. Louis Laskey, principal of L/R Construction, devised an extremely sound business model to erect these studios at 162 Howard Street.

Community and faith-based missions also drove foot traffic throughout the year into downtown, including the St. Tarcisius Junina Festival, St. Stephen’s Carnival, Community Kiln classes, and operations by the United Way and the Salvation Army. The annual United Way of Tri-County 5K race brought hundreds of runners into downtown Framingham. The annual Curtis Family Thanksgiving Dinner and the Greater Framingham Community Church’s post-election Unity Breakfast served as critical junctures for building compassion and empathy in our tight-knit community.

Arthur Robert, Framingham’s Director of Community and Economic Development, described how five years of substantial infrastructure investments in downtown Framingham has drawn the attention from business investors and housing developers. This attention has translated into new business investments, property enhancements, and housing proposals from developers. The ongoing momentum and growing confidence in this densely populated, mixed-use area will only continue to garner tangible outcomes and greater enthusiasm.

Throughout the night, distinguished speakers included representatives from the Framingham’s state delegation, including state representatives Chris Walsh and Jack Lewis. Each shared personal stories about their dedication and commitment to serving downtown Framingham and promptly representing the area’s needs at the State House. In 2017, state funding helped support major parking lot and associated infrastructure enhancements to the Framingham MBTA Commuter Rail Station and Dudley Road Bike Path.

Additionally, intern and Framingham State University student Shanleigh Reardon discussed her own personal growth in the real-world community engagement profession, highlighting the challenges of running of small business and shaping public places designed for everyone. As a college student, Shanleigh became increasingly inspired with holistically serving this area while also learning about management and operations of non-profit organizations.

The evening culminated with the presentation of the Downtown Hero Award to Nemesio ‘Nemo’ Rosa. Peter Sellers, Director of Framingham’s Department of Public Works (DPW), and Dan Nau, Director of the DPW Highway Division, helped present the award to Nemo. As an employee of Framingham’s DPW, Nemo takes great pride in providing year-round service with a smile by keeping the downtown sidewalks sparkling. He has also established great relationships with the downtown shop keepers, which helps build greater community cohesion between the government and local merchants. The guest of honor, Nemo, shared this memorable occasion with his family.

As the event wrapped, Downtown Framingham, Inc.’s 15-member board of directors ensured each guest felt welcome by providing opportunities to exchange shared goals for increased community spirit. One board director, Brandale Randolph, shared an inspiring tale of community spirit that underscored Framingham's reputation and history for welcoming everyone, even social outcasts. Brandale, owner and operator of the 1854 Cycling Company, recounted his family's journey from Texas to its current home in Framingham. In parallel, Brandale pointed to the historical journey of others who found refuge in Framingham, including Wiccans, Jews, and African Americans, to name a few. Brandale compelled the audience to respect, promote, and protect Framingham's pivotal role as a place that shines with diversity through its schools, businesses, and elected officials.

For more information about Downtown Framingham, Inc., please check out these resources:

Website: https://downtownframinghaminc.org

Annual Report: https://downtownframinghaminc....