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| cover photos by | Steven Hertzog |
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Photos by Steven Hertzog
Our Ever Evolving Downtown
with Mass Street at its Heart!
Downtown Lawrence, Kansas, is the city’s vibrant heart, with Massachusetts Street (Mass Street) at its iconic core. However, the importance of downtown Lawrence extends beyond the confines of Mass Street, being essential to the city’s identity, economic vitality, and, whether you like it or not, Lawrence’s growth. While Mass Street remains central to Lawrence’s character, the downtown area has expanded, incorporating new developments, diverse businesses, and more residential housing that contribute to its dynamic atmosphere.
Mass Street, with its historic charm and unique blend of local businesses, serves as Lawrence’s cultural and social hub, where residents and visitors come together to immerse themselves in the city’s special mix of creativity, history, and community spirit. The preservation of its historic buildings and the presence of independent shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues on Mass Street provide a sense of continuity with a link to Lawrence’s past and a path to its future.
However, downtown Lawrence is more than Mass Street. The area has expanded, with new developments and businesses sprouting up in the surrounding blocks, contributing to the growth and diversification of the downtown economy. This expansion reflects the city’s adaptability and commitment to fostering a vibrant urban environment. Areas like the Warehouse Arts District and other nearby neighborhoods are now integral parts of the downtown landscape, offering new opportunities for business, culture, and community activity.
LOCAL MATTERS
Our Local Advertisers – Making a Positive Impact
Downtown Lawrence is a destination place, somewhere to meet up or go on a walk. Wander through the eclectic shops on Mass Street. Learn Lawrence’s storied past and historical role at the Watkins Historical Museum. Visit the Lawrence Public Library (16th place in the top 50 libraries in America). Stroll down the brick-lined streets of Old West Lawrence and marvel at the beautifully preserved historic homes. Nature and outdoor activities are accessible right in the heart of downtown Lawrence, where you can walk along the streets, bike or hike the trails along the Kaw River and Lawrence Loop, or, during the summer, enjoy a swim at the Outdoor Aquatic Center. Visit art galleries from Mass St to the East Lawrence Warehouse Arts district, where public art is showcased everywhere.
The vitality of the entire downtown area is not just a matter of aesthetics but a key driver of Lawrence’s economic growth. As downtown expands, it attracts a broader range of businesses, visitors and residents, increasing foot traffic and boosting local commerce. The growth of downtown Lawrence supports traditional retail and dining, creative industries, technology firms, and other innovative enterprises. This diversification strengthens the city’s economy, making it more resilient and competitive.
As we all have a stake in the local economy, it’s important to remember that each of our advertisers is a part of our local economy. We encourage you to consider them first before looking elsewhere for your needs. Whenever possible, choose to shop locally and resist the temptation to order online. If you find something online, see if one of our local businesses has it. We know they would appreciate the business – our local businesses are the heart of our community.
When we Shop Local – Shop Baldwin, Eudora, Lecompton, and Lawrence (and use Local Services) – we are supporting those businesses, giving back to our community, and building a future together.
Sincerely,
- Ann Frame Hertzog, Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
- Steven Hertzog, Chief Photographer/Publisher
