When it comes to really jump-starting the downtown riverfront renaissance, there is only so much the city – via Community Investment Tax dollars, streetscapes, signage, mayoral soapbox — can do. Developers provide for nearby residential mass and the citizenry, as has been well documented, will have to dig deep to fund-raise Riverwalk and museum dreams into reality.
But there’s another synergistic component in the public-private partnership scenario: entrepreneurs. Those who see an enlightened self-interest in providing a service that will serve as a people magnet.
Welcome back, Malio’s.
The announcement that iconic restaurateur Malio Iavarone had signed a long-term lease at the Rivergate Tower to re-open Malio’s – on the waterfront – is nothing short of a credibility coup. It should debut this fall.
Malio’s has that requisite “gathering-spot” reputation to become a catalyst for other fine-dining venues – and attendant ambience — so glaringly absent in downtown.
Having a hot spot on your ground floor is also a major score for the 31-story, cylindrical tower with plenty of vacant square footage. Might even get locals to can that unhip hops frame of reference.
“Meet you at the, uh, at Malio’s.”