make its downtown a vibrant commercial and social hub. ADAPTIVE INITIATIVES THAT SECURE TOMORROW Beyond downtown, Lawton Fort Sill is embarking on an ambitious neighborhood revitalization campaign. “Over the next year, we are going to take on a very aggressive campaign of knocking down 40 dilapidated structures a month, whether those be commercial or residential,” Ratliff says. The initiative intends to help remove all vacant buildings that contribute to urban decay. By addressing blight, the city aims to increase property values, improve safety, and create more attractive neighborhoods. Enhanced litter removal efforts and beautification projects are also part of the plan, reinforcing the idea that well-maintained neighborhoods foster stronger communities. One of the most innovative projects in Lawton Fort Sill, symbolizing the benefits of such revitalization, is the repurposing of its local shopping mall into the Fire Innovation Science and Technology Accelerator (FISTA). As malls across the country struggle with declining foot traffic, Lawton Fort Sill saw an opportunity to transform a struggling retail space into a thriving economic hub. Now home to Department of Defense vendors and contractors, FISTA has become a cornerstone of Lawton Fort Sill’s downtown area, serving as both a business incubator and a driver of economic growth. This successful adaptive reuse strategy sets Lawton Fort Sill apart and offers a model for other cities looking to reinvigorate underutilized commercial spaces. 204 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 03
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