With the downtown an economically stable commercial center, but, “totally dull,” the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership in Pittsburgh, PA, created a new grant program in 2007 to encourage restaurateurs to bring new vitality to city streets by moving their restaurants outdoors.
The program offers a 50-percent matching grant of up to $30,000 ($60,000 for corner properties). Funds may be used for cafe tables and chairs, cafe umbrellas, operable storefront systems, increased facade transparency, awnings, planters, removal of roll-down security gates, signage, lighting, and accessibility improvements.
As a result of that investment, street life downtown has increased dramatically. “People are going out, enjoying the downtown, and sitting outside. These projects make Pittsburgh look like what we want it to look like — a fun, inviting place,” says Geof Comings, the Partnership’s economic development manager.
The full article appeared in our print edition. To always get the full story, read Downtown Idea Exchange.