Growing up here I always enjoyed the times that my parents and I went to downtown Midland for an event or even just to walk around and enjoy the sights. It was so amazing to me to look up at the tall building and enjoy the strange beauty that they portray. Centennial Plaza is a place where I had many fond memories as a child. I remember sitting in front of the waterfalls and watching them for what may seem like days. I remember going to Luigi's Italian Restaurant and feeling that big city bistro feel while I was eating there. It was truly a magical place for me.

As I have grown up I have been lucky enough to work some out of our Midland office that is located downtown. I love the feeling of driving in between those tall buildings and watching the rays of sun shoot into the shadowed streets like a lighthouse on the coast. I enjoy looking out the large windows and seeing for miles. From our office windows I see a symphony of concrete and open fields, a culmination of technology and agriculture and most importantly a feeling of serenity that comes from these sights.

I believe at this point in my life I think that down town Midland should be available to every one in Midland. Right now there are many things to do downtown but it is not close enough to where it needs to be. I would love to see a part of downtown Midland become more of an entertainment district, trying to get more restaurants, entertainment,  shops and pubs to come into that area. We need to use the Yucca theater more because it is truly historic.  I would also like to see more kid friendly area as well. I believe that a downtown themed park in this district would be awesome. This would allow the children to get to know the downtown area as much as I did when I was a child, sparking further interest towards its development as they become our leaders.

Midland is known for its eloquent sky line. It is a reminder of all of our areas ups and downs over the past 30 years. I believe it is of utmost important to preserve and improve this district not for just those who call Midland home but for those who will call Midland home in the future. It will be an arduous journey but over time we can get it done!

I love the idea for a kid theme park area!

Also, I'd love to see some of the buildings on the peripherial of Downtown being converted into art studios. They could rent art space upstairs and have a joint gallery downstairs with regular showings! That would be awesome.

When I was a kid growing up in downtown Midland, my mother ran the Red Fox Resturaunt where the Midland Center sits now and my brother worked for Heath Furniture (do you remember those places?) I had a great time living in the alley's and dumpsters (it was pretty amazing what got thrown away,) and I had a great time and loved every minute of it. Now, it just needs more draw… something that will make everyone want to be there again and not hanging out so much on the Loop. Go to San Antonio and you could LIVE on the Riverwalk. It offers everything, and THAT is what downtown Midland needs.