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14 <br />City of San Marcos Arts Master Plan <br />Cultural & Historic Village: <br />This village, located to the southwest of the Courthouse Square, is viewed <br />as an extension of the cultural amenities located Downtown.The <br />Calaboose African American History museum is located within the Dunbar <br />neighborhood.Also proposed are the Eddie Durham Jazz Park and the <br />Cephus House. <br />Civic Neighborhood: <br />East of the Downtown, between the San Marcos River and the interstate, there <br />exists a neighborhood ofCivic and Community Services. These community <br />services are located adjacent to the community park, and create a hub of city <br />government and amenities, including city hall, the activity center, and the library. <br />The City of San Marcos should seek to actively direct positive growth Downtown <br />in a manner consistent with the Planning Principles and Vision Plan.By building <br />upon the already-established framework resident to Downtown San Marcos, and <br />by realigning economic development principles to value quality of place, San <br />Marcos will be well poised to realize the vision for an active, vibrant, and <br />revitalized Downtown. <br />San Marcos’Identity & Placemaking <br />Marketing for Success -making the Downtown a unique destination: <br />Vehicular signage on IH-35 that directs people to the Downtown should be <br />coupled with entry gateway markers at five key locations, which correspond with <br />the main access corridors of Aquarena Springs, Hopkins Street/County Road 12, <br />CM Allen Boulevard, Guadalupe Street, and Wonder World Drive.The City will <br />need to work with the Texas Department of Transportation to establish better <br />signage for Downtown exits along IH-35.The Texas Department of <br />Transportation will also need to be consulted as landscaping and median plans <br />are developed for areas surrounding interstate entry and off-ramps.The <br />gateway markers at these locations should be representative of Downtown <br />or San Marcosand standardized or themed motifs could register on street <br />signs and directional signage throughout the city.Several motif ideas were <br />offered during conversations with residents of San Marcos, including <br />Texas stars, San Marcos salamanders, and Aquarena Springs mermaid <br />icons.As a way to garner community support, San Marcos could conduct <br />a public campaign to generate a new city icon. <br />Promotion of Cultural Events: <br />The City of San Marcos could also enhance its identity by promoting cultural <br />events in the Downtown area.These events, when properly marketed, draw <br />visitors and community members to the City and into the Downtown.As an <br />example, San Marcos could reinstate its chili festival, sponsor performances in <br />conjunction with Texas State University,or promote farmers or artists markets <br />Downtown.Events such as these could also takeplace at key nodes of activity <br /> <br />