University of Kansas - Jayhawker Yearbook (Lawrence, KS)

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To 3CC0ll1Od3t0 fhe ffaffii ill and Ollf of growing Humbul-5 Ui' my lfglwl-.,-my Lawrence culled for the remodeling population, new apartment win! ul' the Kansas Turnpike, A K-Tag plexcs were built in Wes1Luwrence, Syslclii wus also added to allow lpholo by Knudlenl speedy passage fphoin by Knudtcni , , Q 4 w,,.. 4 . .A '- .4 A, fa V' '. - A 5 do. if , A M , L ,.,. -.-wear -wi-vs-muah. ff I-sefga Q A fWellfy'fl'lil'd street YRS 3 bllSfIe of activity for Lawrence residents. Popular busi- nesses such as Taco Bell and Copy Co. brought area students to the scene. tphoto by Knudtenj Q 43 Q9 student life

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IIGY SI'0Yfll Sfl'0fGlIGS IHYPBIIIG b0llIldI'iES What was once a quiet little college town was quickly becoming a booming metropo- lis, as growing populations and expanding business invaded Lawrence. According to the United States Census, taken every ten years, the population of Lawrence showed a steady increase in popu- lation since 1950. From 1980 to 1990, the population increased 20.93 percent to 81,798 people, of which more than 28,000 was comprised of University of Kansas stu- dents. During the past five years alone. Lawrence grew 1 1.5 percent. David Guntert, Lawrence City Planner, attributed the growth of Lawrence to its proximity to urbanized areas such as Kansas City and Topeka, and to its small-town repu- tation. 'fl definitely expect the growing trend to continue, Guntert said. 'tSome ofthe small- town quality may be lost, but I do not see that hurting Lawrence. To compensate for the poulation growth, new businesses flocked to Lawrence, creat- ing morejobs and more resources. According to the Kansas Department of Revenue Sales, there was a 47 percent in- crease in new ventures from 1990 to 1995. ln addition, sales figures rose 44.3 percent story by Adri Iones Q 42 growt of lawrence since 1990 and 12.6 percent in 1995. Retail sales alone reached S593 million in 1994, with food topping the list of retail consumption. New restaurants such as Barb Wire Steak House, Old Chicago's and Chili's moved in to satisfy the eating cravings of Lawrence residents. Additional new businesses such as SuperTarget, Tanger Outlet Mall and a re- newed Massachusetts street also donated to the expanding demands of Lawrence's growing population. More growth also seemed in the works for Lawrencels future. Lawrence City Commis- sion required the construction ofa synchro- nized traffic light at 34th and Iowa, an area that was undeveloped until the past few years. When asked if the update of Lawrence business would hun veteran small-business owners, downtown merchants said they were confident about the loyalty of their customers and the quality of their products. f'Weaver's has been a strong business in Lawrence for 137 years, said Earl Reineman, Weaver's department store as- sistant manager. l don't think the outlet mall has affected us either way. Lawrence continued on page 44

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Q44 75,000 70,000 65,000 60,000 55,000 50,000 45,000 40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 19 Long Terrn Population in Lawrence 1940 - 1994 City of Lawrence 40 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 19 94 growt of lawrence continuedfrom page 42 residents know our name and trust itf, Despite one's desire to maintain a small- town atmosphere, it could not be denied that the increase in businesses resulted in more employment opportunities, thus improving Lawrence's economy. According to the Kansas department of human resources, the rate of unemployment in Lawrence decreased 0.4 percent from 1990 to 1995, to a total of 3.2 percent. In addition, employment in Lawrence was ex- pected to rise 7.5 percent by the year 2005, due to the expansion of population and the business community. As a result of expanding business and employment opportunities, per capita in- comes in Lawrence were expected to rise in the next 20 years. American Demographics magazine ranked Lawrence as having the l0th-fastest growing per capita income in the nation. According to the 0ct., 1995 report, in 10 years the average income in Lawrence would increase 22 percent, almost twice the national average. Long-time Lawrence residents had feelings about the cityls growth We used to think of Lawrence as a town community, but itls not that moref, said Laura Fix, Lawrence 27 years. I think the expansion of having a negative effect on the do not feel safe walking around in my neighborhood anymore? F ix raised two children in of which attended the University She and her husband Joe have since C alifomia. J eny Donnelly, Lawrence residen years, said, f'From my growth of Lawrence is positive. 'LI might not let my daughters walk Lawrence alone, but I would anyone to move here without 'f0ur small town image is the t people are moving to Lawrence, Fix But that is the exact thing that will image away? Q