CityScape
CityScape is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization governed by a 15- to 25- member Board of Directors. CityScape was created to establish a partnership between public and private sectors dedicated to the revitalization of the Historic Downtown business district.
Website: www.cookevillecityscape.com
This community effort features a comprehensive strategy that includes four elements that parallel the National Main Street's Center approach with emphasis on historic preservation.
Organization
CityScape works to build partnerships with public and private sectors to develop the untapped potential of historic downtown Cookeville. It is a membership organization, and relies on relationships with public officials and private individuals to work together to make downtown Cookeville a great place to live, work and play.
Promotion
CityScape works to market historic downtown Cookeville as a dynamic and exciting place through special events and publicity campaigns. CityScape strives to communicate to the public the potential vitality of downtown, demonstrating that downtown Cookeville has meaning to all citizens of Putnam County.
Design
CityScape works to enhance the visual image of downtown, paying special attention to signs, storefronts, landscapes and displays. CityScape's projects strive to accentuate the beauty and character of historic and new structures that make our downtown unique: the Putnam County Courthouse, Criminal Justice Center, the Library, Cookeville City Hall, the Drama Center, the Depot and many others.
Economic Development
CityScape works to improve the economic appeal of downtown by strengthening its existing assets and diversifying its economic base. Economic development activities include helping to recruit business, encouraging the conversion of unused downtown space into housing, offices or retail establishments and analyzing market trends.
Events:
CityScape organizes and sponsors several annual events to promote historic downtown Cookeville and to raise funds for operations. They include:
Fall FunFest -- is traditionally held in September, the weekend after Labor Day. For information about Fall FunFest, visit www.fallfunfest.com.
Taste of the Town - is CityScape's single largest source of funds for its annual operating budget.
West Side Trick or Treating in Historic Downtown -- is held on Halloween, and Cookeville families are invited to trick or treat with downtown merchants.
Children's Discovery Day at Dogwood Park -- benefits the effort to start a Cookeville Children's Museum. For more information, visit http://www.cookevillechildrensmuseum.org/home.asp.
Railroad Rendezvous Springfest -- is held on W. Broad St. near the Depot, and admission is free. It features crafts, food, kids activities, and a music competition to welcome a passenger train from Nashville. For more information, contact the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce at info@cookevillechamber.com.
Cream City Crankin' -- is held with the help of sponsors Mayfield Dairy Farms. It is an ice-cream social held by the historic Cream City factory building and sign.
CityScape Services:
CityScape provides a variety of services to property owners and business owners in our targeted district within historic downtown Cookeville. Those services include:
- Design and technical assistance for building and renovation
- Real estate information
- Business retention and support, through the Downtown Business Association and monthly Downtown Developments newsletter
- Special events coordination
- Clearinghouse for downtown issues
- Low interest loan program, when available, and up to $1,000 Awning Grant
- Access to national information networks and technical assistance
- Liaison to city and county governments regarding issues that effect downtown
