What do people like about downtown? Two traits immediately come to mind – historical and small-town feel.

Without downtown, it’s doubtful Chaska would even strive to become the “best small town in Minnesota.” Instead, we’d be trying to shake off the “suburban” moniker like skunk stink on a wet dog.

Historic and small-town feel are perhaps our strongest traits. But there are others – so let’s build on them.

History

People have lived in the area now known as Chaska for thousands (that’s right, thousands) of years. Brag it up.

The city and downtown businesses could be even more aggressive when marketing downtown history in their brochures and advertisements.

We have terrific businesses in fascinating historic buildings – Dolce Vita Wine Shop in the depot; Cy’s Bar and Grill in the old mill; Mill House Gallery in the mill owner’s house. The Chaska Historical Society is located in a livery stable and Guardian Angels Catholic Church is transforming its friary into church offices. Our whole downtown is a study in creative reuse of historic buildings, at a time when green architecture is the big thing. Let’s let the world know.

And how about walking tours, historical plaques, and signs announcing “historic downtown Chaska” – as suggested by the recent Downtown Business Council report.

Small town

It’s hard to go wrong working “small town” into Chaska’s marketing

But that’s not all. “Small town” needs to work its way into downtown planning – whether it’s thinking “smaller” when designing buildings, or including architectural details that speak to a small-town sensibility.

There are other ways to boost the concept of “small town,” such as promoting the Chaska Cubs and Athletic Park. This baseball institution screams small town, whether it’s a neighbor volunteering in concessions, or the batter who’s your daughter’s school teacher.

The fireworks display in Athletic Park a few years ago was an excellent example of using the ballpark as a community gathering space.

River City Days is the best small-town advertisement we have. How can we build on this? Are there other festivals that could be tied in with Chaska Parks and Recreation events? Are there block parties that could be tied in with downtown businesses or bars?

Nothing says small town like a street dance.

Levee trail

Here’s a wake up call – we’ll never be the next San Antonio. The Minnesota River made us who we are, but it’s never going to be downtown’s focal point.

Recent and future developments leave great river views for some hotel guests and renters (River Gables, Best Western, The Landing). However there isn’t room to build shops and restaurants on the riverfront – reminiscent of East Grand Forks redevelopment following the 1997 flood. There isn’t even room to build large lowland parks, such as Huber Park in Shakopee.

Even if there was, who knows if large-scale riverfront development would even be a draw. Let’s face it, people visit the river en masse during flooding. But the Minnesota ain’t exactly the St. Croix. And, if current plans bear out, in a couple decades a giant concrete highway/river crossing will be buzzing overhead.

Instead, our strength is the levee walk, which provides a wonderful river/flood bottom view. Let’s build a small park area at the Winkel Park boat landing, with tables, to make it more inviting to boaters and picnickers. More benches and overlooks along the levee trail would also be great.

Want to get more people down to the river? Then hold levee events such as art walks or 5Ks.

Let’s get this great path hooked up to the bluff trail in Chanhassen. And continue the push to acquire the abandoned U.P. line, so we can extend it to Carver. Which brings us to our next strength ...

Carver

Chaska and Carver both have fascinating city centers, with similar shops and restaurants/bars. If these two cities worked more closely together, they could build off of each other’s downtown.

The business districts and cities could sponsor events together to highlight their histories along the Minnesota River.

Diversity

One of our town’s strengths is its diversity – specifically Chaska’s large Latino population. Spanish-speaking Chaskans have a century long history in the town.

Now downtown boasts a large Spanish-speaking congregation at Guardian Angels. We have two Latino groceries, a Mexican bakery, a Mexican restaurant, and a handful of other businesses serving the Latino population.

How about a large Cinco de Mayo celebration in City Square Park or a Day of the Dead celebration to honor our ancestors?

Let’s build on all of these strengths to make downtown even greater.

Editor's Note: In a series of Downtown Turnaround"editorials, the Herald is offering ideas to improve downtown Chaska. Join the discussion by posting your own comments or e-mailing [email protected].

This editorial was first published in the April 8 print edition of the Chaska Herald. For previous Downtown Turnaround editorials, click on these links: Making a connection; Permanent? Not Necessarily; Show them what you've got; Flood of Illusions; Keep it practical, keep it affordable.