Downtown Digest News • Web Extras
The availability of paint that shows up only when it’s wet has inspired whimsical, low-cost "invisible art" projects on sidewalks nationwide. Each project takes a slightly different approach. Seattle’s invisible art is humorous, while Huntsville, AL, aims to bring literature to the public art scene. "We wanted it to be something unexpected that community members…Continue reading
As roadway and bridge improvements are made along a busy downtown corridor in Rosslyn, VA, city officials are using development funds to add lighted public art that will span the length of the main street and create striking gateways. The sculptures are giant, stainless steel structures with environmentally friendly lights, which can be programmed to…Continue reading
A creative new marketing campaign is bringing residents, employees, and visitors to York, PA. The effort includes recruitment materials, a revamped website, and guided tours. The recruitment packet was created for use by local employers. It highlights all the benefits of living in York, and includes a full-color magazine, a USB bracelet loaded with information…Continue reading
Since its creation, the Gateway Mile Loan Fund in Elkhart, IN, has helped finance both interior and exterior renovations of downtown buildings, and allowed new businesses to open. "What I think is unique about the program is that it is not funded by public dollars," says Burt Troyer, who administers the fund. "This is all…Continue reading
The annual Downtown Lifestyle Tour in Wilmington, NC (est. pop. 106,476), has been offered for the past five years. The goal is to, "introduce people to the unique housing options that downtown offers and to promote how great it can be to live here," says Wilmington Downtown, Inc. The tour is one effort within the…Continue reading
In an effort to fill vacant downtown space, the Downtown Memphis Commission took the contrarian approach of eliminating some traditional incentives for new businesses.Leslie Gower, vice president of marketing and communications explains in the February issue of Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter. "We worked with our broker community regarding trends, and what they are hearing in terms…Continue reading
With the new year, comes an increased focus on business retention in many city centers. This trend, noted in Downtown Idea Exchange’s annual outlook article, reflects both the challenges of recruitment and the greying of business owners in many areas.Baby Boomers are retiring says Patrice Frey, president and CEO of the National Main Street Center.…Continue reading
Several of the experts who contributed to Downtown Idea Exchange’s annual Looking Ahead article cited a growing emphasis on nurturing startups in cities of all sizes. The first step, they say, is recognizing a new breed of non-traditional entrepreneur. Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison suggests that small business startups in rural communities are more…Continue reading
Despite being adjacent to the redeveloped riverfront, the Clinton Presidential library, and a sizable convention center, the traditional main street in Little Rock, AR, was largely neglected. The main street did have one important asset: a professional repertory theater. "But," says Mayor Mark Stodola, "they had no friends, they had no neighbors. I knew that…Continue reading
While a tree lighting, caroling, and holiday sales attract visitors, they happen only on certain days throughout the holiday season. However, an attractive holiday light display can be activated in mid-November and add to the festive atmosphere and drawing power of downtown every evening through January. One of the best-known examples of this type of…Continue reading
The typical facade improvement program just wouldn’t do in Rawlins, WY, where 62 of 95 downtown businesses, totaling 62,000 square feet of facades, are undergoing grant-funded improvements all at once. "We decided to try it a different way," says Pam Thayer, executive director of Rawlins Downtown Development Authority (DDA)/Main Street. Participating property owners signed easement…Continue reading
In Akron, OH, work is underway to redefine the footprint of the city’s many neighborhoods. "What we’re doing is looking atall of our city neighborhoods — Akron has 25 semi-official neighborhoods, with downtown being one of them," says Jason Segedy, the city’s director of planning and urban development. The project is essential, Segedy says, because…Continue reading
