Like many pedestrian Malls around the country, the Fulton Mall has long since been plagued with low rents, high vacancy rates, little to no activity after 5 p.m., poor visibility of the Mall from other streets and declining foot traffic.
At a special board meeting of the Downtown Fresno Partnership on October 4, 2011, the board of directors voted to support two Fulton Mall construction alternatives that would re-connect the grid with vehicular circulation.
The favorite option is a pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined, two-way street with wide sidewalks. The second choice would be a more meandering two-way street that would retain many of the Mall's fountains. This vote comes after more than two years of study, discussions, meetings and review of other pedestrian Malls.
Downtown Fresno Partnership recognizes that the art collection on the Fulton Mall is an incredible asset to the Downtown and must be cared for in every possible scenario of the Fulton Mall's outcome. We plan to work diligently with the City of Fresno to ensure that a vision for the Fulton Mall includes appropriate reverence for the art collection as well as a targeted marketing effort to attract new tenants and businesses to the Fulton Corridor.
Our support of the plan to reopen the Mall was not arrived hastily. We represent the property owners that have a true vested interest in this area and we believe that this is the best approach to renew the vitality of the heart of our Downtown.
Currently three alternatives are undergoing Environmental Impact Review. Download a description of the three options with details and images.
| Option 1 Reconnects the Grid with a traditional main street approach |
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| Option 2 Reconnects the Grid with "Vignettes" retained from the current mall design |
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| Option 3 Completely Restores the Fulton Mall |
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