Grid Renaissance

Midtown and Downtown Sacramento are experiencing major changes and revitalization.

Sacramento’s central district is going through a long awaited revitalization. There has been an influx of restaurant and other venues into the part of the city known as the “Grid” for its uniformed layout.

Whether it is attributed to the coming Entertainment Sports Complex or to the overall recovery of the local economy, Downtown and Midtown Sacramento are experiencing unprecedented economic and cultural growth — a Renaissance of sorts.

Though this is affecting the entire city, there are still a lot of people who live in the site of the Grid Renaissance, along the one-way streets that make central Sacramento.

One of these people is social studies teacher and Midtown resident. Mr. Evan Boylan, who is already seeing the change.

“[Midtown] is a fun place to live, man. There are a bunch of restaurants and bars opening up now.”

“It’ll be even better once the arena opens up” he adds “It is a great place to live right now especially if you’re around my age.”

Theatre Arts teacher Ms. Heather Christianson ’01 has also embraced the culture boom in the neighborhood.

“Sacramento has changed completely since I was a student” she says “The food scene has always been good, but the Farm to Fork movement has really elevated it.”

The Farm to Fork movement has given the local food scene a new identity, one that is making it world famous for being fresh and organic.

Not only is the food scene changing but culture is on the rise as well.

“The art scene is getting really good” says Ms. Christianson. “The Crocker [Art Mueseum’s] renovation has really helped. The new building is much more modern and spacious than the previous building, the old Victorian it was in.”

Students at CB also had an opinion on the blossoming Art scene.

“It’s actually pretty inspiring and encouraging to see studios and museums popping up and getting better in Sacramento.” explains Kyle Aparece (’15)

The catalyst of this growth may be the monthly event bringing many people to Midtown.

“I love being able to go every Second Saturday and seeing all the local art and studios.” Say Alec Edelmayer (’15). “There is all kinds of food down there too, you can find anything really.”

Sacramento is growing quickly culturally and people here and around the city are taking notice of this Renaissance.