https://www.tallahassee.com/story/opinion/2019/01/30/new-hotel-next-step-keeping-railroad-square-vibrant-arts-district/2721253002/
Railroad Square is beloved as a casual place where residents and visitors alike enjoy fun experiences and discover unique treasures. We are so fortunate to have it.
Typically arts districts are funded by public dollars via land grants, tax incentives or government support. Tallahassee, however, has benefited from an industrial park-turned-creative-arts-district, all under private ownership, an endeavor that has been sustained by two generations of the Boynton Kaye family. Today, siblings Lily and Adam Kaye are charting the direction for Railroad Square, introducing the next step in the area’s evolution in support of its rich heritage.
Lily and Adam have had plenty of opportunities to sell the land for student housing, but they’ve refused. Now they have identified a way to bring new patrons to the small businesses in Railroad Square. This plan — to add a hotel and retail space to an open parcel of land at the front of the property — promises to bring new vitality and foot traffic, while maintaining the character and purpose of Railroad Square.
In the late 1970s, this industrial park began transitioning into an arts district by providing studios for FSU’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program, as well as spaces for potters and painters. Under the stewardship of Nan Boynton, it gradually morphed into the arts-focused Railroad Square we know.
The property passed to Boynton's then-teenage children, and for 16 years they have continued the artistic evolution of Railroad Square and resourcefully maintained the 1950s-era warehouses. Railroad Square is an attraction: a home to art studios, galleries, a coffee shop, creative small retailers and services.
Making a living as an artist or small retail entrepreneur is difficult, and survival depends on affordable spaces and plenty of customers. Lily and Adam understand how important that constant flow of patrons is. That’s why they, along with manager Lillian Finn, have worked hard to maintain a safe, family-friendly atmosphere with an eclectic mix of local businesses. They continue to fund the monthly First Friday Gallery Hop and have recently supported the expansion of its food and beverage options.
The owners recognize that branding Railroad Square as a destination – for both tourists and locals – is necessary for their shops and studios to succeed in the long term. The addition of a hotel will strengthen the identity of Railroad Square as an arts destination and help to assure its sustainability, as visitors take home distinctive items and experiences from their travels.
The hotel developer has already demonstrated his appreciation for the community by meeting with Railroad Square tenants and thoughtfully working out details such as public parking, signage and design elements that draw on the existing colorful industrial buildings.
Gradual modernization of Railroad Square is necessary given the age of the buildings, but it’s important that the area maintains its irreplaceable character. The addition of a quality hotel and new retail space will benefit local artists and craftsmen while boosting the area’s vitality.
All Tallahassee should welcome this project as part of the process to thoughtfully nurture this cherished community resource.
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