Never before has the importance of non-cost, intangible quality of life issues been as heavily emphasized in site location decisions as it is today. An attractive and economically viable downtown is one of the more visible measures of a community's quality of life and commitment to public services and attractiveness. Industrial prospects often form their initial impressions of a city from their image of its downtown. Because of time constraints a prospect may not have time to visit residential areas, drive past schools, or look at community parks. Invariably, however, most will see downtown.
Downtown thus becomes a barometer for community-wide conditions.
If the downtown is attractive and vibrant, the entire area can benefit. On the other hand, if the downtown is perceived to be in need of redevelopment, the entire area can suffer - no matter how attractive other parts of the city may be. According to the 1990 census, Amarillo is the tenth largest city in Texas, located in the center of the northwest section of the state, known as the Texas Panhandle. With a population of over 160,000, it functions as the business, financial, agricultural, social and cultural center of the 26,000 square mile geographical region. Due to suburban migration, the downtown area of the city has suffered from the decentralization of business, recreational and social infrastructure.