Part of the "DESTINATION DALTON" initiative
Implement three connected downtown initiatives: a Taco Trail program using local restaurants; renovation of the city-owned rail car and train depot deck into a train-watching and local food/beverage destination; and redevelopment of the Burr Park parking deck into a two-level parking structure with retail, observation deck, pedestrian bridge, and event space.
Tracks customer participation in the Taco Trail through the third-party text/email platform, including check-ins from customers on weekdays versus weekends.
Tracks train watcher “heads-in-beds” reported by the CVB and downtown visitor/tourism draw from the train car and observation deck.
Tracks sales increases for participating restaurants and revenue generated by the renovated train car business.
Tracks lease dollars collected from retail businesses in the parking deck and from the parking lease.
Tracks completion of the parking structure with retail space, two levels of parking, observation deck, pedestrian bridge, and event space.
Tracks the number of parking spaces created by the new multi-use parking structure.
Tracks retail space created on the bottom level of the parking structure to support local entrepreneurs and additional downtown tax base.
Tracks new business creation or startup activation inside the renovated city-owned train car.
Tracks total vehicle counts increasing in downtown Dalton.
Tracks local cross-cultural interaction and support for Hispanic-owned restaurants through the Taco Trail.
Taco Trail advertising & third-party digital platform: $6,000 year 1 / $1,500 year 2+. Train car renovation & deck construction: $100K-$250K renovation plus $20,000 deck and cafe tables. Parking structure construction including retail, two levels of parking, observation deck, and pedestrian bridge: $15-$20 million.