Ayres Knowledge Center INDentrification Via Placemaking | Page 9

linkage would help to bring people into the West Edge District and increase mobility of residents
and workers between attractions in the area.
Establishing the vision was the first step in moving forward with conversion of the rail spur, yet
3D animation once again played a significant role in generating excitement and interest in the
project. A video was produced demonstrating the enhancements in support of educating the public
about a sales tax ballot initiative where $4 million was approved by voters to move this element
forward into construction.
Subsequent private interest in the West Edge District has been spurred by this visioning work and
the cohesive partnership between the public sector placemaking efforts and private sector
investment. Several properties, including the two largest and most iconic buildings, have changed
hands with investment pending. Several other vacant parcels have also been purchased with the
intent to construct new buildings on vacant or underutilized sites, bringing new investment and
employment to the area.
Figure 10 - Map depicting properties that have changed hands in anticipation of investment based upon the overall West Edge
vision illustrated in the 3D animation. Several of these properties are awaiting construction of public placemaking infrastructure
prior to initiating construction.
One additional innovative tool used by the community to increase public awareness and
understanding about the possible placemaking enhancements is the “West Edge Virtual Tour.”
Launching from the 3D digital model that was used to create the animations, additional
functionality was created to help more people access the vision and understand the goals of the
West Edge project.
This tool enables locals as well as investors to experience potential enhancements on their mobile
device while they physically tour the district. The process began by geolocating specific site
imagery and stitching it together with panoramic images enables the new renderings of projects to
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