Greensboro residents who want to know more about the future of their downtown will have several chances in the coming weeks: Downtown Greensboro, Inc. has scheduled a series of GSO35 “pop-up” events where the public can hear details about the 10-year plan as well as offer feedback.

The plan, called “GSO35: Downtown in a Decade,” attempts to lay out a vision for a downtown that’s welcoming, livable, connected and prosperous. As the Rhino Times reported last week, it grew out of input from more than 2,500 people over the last six months and sets some very specific targets: 5,000 new residents living downtown, 3,000 new jobs, more than 100 ground-floor businesses, 12 million annual visits, 10 major redevelopment projects and at least $1 billion in private investment.

Those interested in learning more about the grand plan can take part in these upcoming events:

Saturday, Oct. 4 – Elm Street Stroll/Oktoberfest, 3 to 5 p.m., 300 block of Elm Street closed to traffic and open to pedestrians.

Friday, Oct. 10 – Face Painting at Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum, 1 to 4 p.m., museum lobby.

Thursday, Oct. 16 – Run Club at SouthEnd Brewing, 6 to 8 p.m., SouthEnd Brewing Co.

Organizers say that the pop-ups are meant to give people a chance to learn about the plan in a casual setting and see how they can take part in shaping downtown’s future. More information can be found at the link GSO35.com.

The plan spells out four major moves for downtown. One centers on Church Street, where properties such as the old News & Record site and the Galyon Depot are expected to anchor new housing and commercial growth. A second focuses on Elm Street, long seen as the historic spine of downtown, where improvements to sidewalks, lighting and storefronts are meant to make the street more vibrant and easier to navigate. Another piece of the plan is “harnessing housing,” with the 5,000-resident target meant to build a strong customer base for downtown shops, restaurants and entertainment. The final part of the plan involves extending the greenway outward and encouraging development along its edges so the trail becomes not just a recreational feature but also an “economic engine.”

About