True. Plus Plaza and Paseo are also areas for gay peeps to hang out. Just would like to see more cafes/coffee shops and other types of retail/restaurants fill in those empty spaces.

That’s part of it, but I think we need to look beyond bars and clubs. This area thrived before because it was the only place in town where the LGBTQ+ community could feel comfortable and safe. As times have changed, so has our sense of security—I now feel safe in most parts of the city, which wasn’t the case in my 20s. To support such a district, we need coffee shops, stores, restaurants, and other places that cater to times outside of late evenings. However, this transformation doesn’t happen overnight and it’s often challenging to compete with other districts

That’s part of it, but I think we need to look beyond bars and clubs. This area thrived before because it was the only place in town where the LGBTQ+ community could feel comfortable and safe. As times have changed, so has our sense of security—I now feel safe in most parts of the city, which wasn’t the case in my 20s. To support such a district, we need coffee shops, stores, restaurants, and other places that cater to times outside of late evenings. However, this transformation doesn’t happen overnight and it’s often challenging to compete with other districts

Retailers that appeal to a larger demographic, make sense to me.

Retailers that appeal to a larger demographic, make sense to me.

Both inside and outside the LGBTQ+ community, yep. I know I'd love more reasons to visit the area outside of going to the bars.

Romantix took a very large space facing Penn, and it's a national chain.

Romantix took a very large space facing Penn, and it's a national chain.

Yeah I've been in there a few times... It's a good store and does get people there in the non-evening party hours, but imo we still need things that are unique draws to the area. Like for me, that store only really gets my business if I happen to be in the area. If I need something from Romantix, 9 times out of 10 I just go to the one close by my place instead since their product mix doesn't change all that much between stores.

IMO we need more food options and LGBTQ+ focused retail and services. Something like Skivvies in Dallas could do well here, I think - for just one example.