While the county-owned Ocean Center was in the throes of an
ambitious expansion that doubled its size, added a variety of
features to accommodate contemporary meeting planners, and brought
the original structure up-to-date, plans to re-invent the areas
surrounding the complex also were being executed.
Responding to the
need for a more vital environment and an
atmosphere that amplifies the new Ocean Center experience, City of
Daytona Beach officials have been working to create an entertainment
zone, or e-zone.
“Our e-zone is at
the heart of the future of the Ocean Center and
our tourism product,” said Reed Berger, redevelopment director for
the city. “It’s a place where excellent entertainment, hospitality,
shopping and public places complement one another and thrive 365
days a year. We put a premium on architecture and urban design so
the entire area surrounding the Ocean Center the e-zone is
warm and welcoming.”
Issues addressed
in creating the e-zone include the need for
convention hotel rooms and related amenities in close proximity to
the Ocean Center. The longstanding dream of year-round commerce
on nearby Main Street also is included. Also on the wish list is
creating and connecting great streets and public places that provide
a
seamless, enjoyable experience for pedestrians while improving
traffic
circulation and increasing parking. All of this is being done while
promoting excellent architecture, signage and creative streetscapes
and landscaping.
In creating the
e-zone, planners have been careful to honor the
heritage of “TheWorld’sMost Famous Beach,” the historic oceanfront
park, the Main Street Pier, Peabody Auditorium and the Ocean Center
itself. This involves clear, concise and exacting land use and
design
standards.
The e-zone has
been conceived as a core entertainment area
within the city’s Main Street Redevelopment Area. It includes the
county’s Ocean Center parking garage and OceanWalk Shoppes to the
north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Harvey Street between the
ocean and Grandview Avenue to the south, with a jog north to
midblock between Harvey and Main streets west to Peninsula Drive
and back north to Earl Street.
The e-zone
concept is borne from many studies and plans
formed over the past 30 years. Among them are the Main Street
Redevelopment Plan, Take Part I and II, Volusia Vision and the Main
Street study.
