Large-scale light installations that blend contemporary art and technology are making their mark, lighting up the night from New Orleans and Baltimore to Sydney and London. Many of these free light festivals include interactive elements that turn spectators into participants who are able to change colors or patterns by moving or playing a game. The…Continue reading
When the University City District in Philadelphia wanted to convert surface parking to a place for pedestrians to sit, read, stroll, and otherwise enjoy the downtown, it started with data. Lots of data. Over time that data-driven approach has lead to The Porch at 30th Street Station becoming one of the most animated public spaces…Continue reading
The weeklong Dutch-themed Tulip Time Festival in Holland, MI, has been going strong for 87 years.This year, the festival and its marketing materials were updated to reflect a full calendar of experiential activities. "People don’t want to be on the sidelines watching," says Susan Zalnis, the festival’s marketing/public relations director. "They want to jump in…Continue reading
The 47-mile Pinellas Trail, is connecting communities and boosting local economies along the west central coast of Florida. While some communities were hesitant to have the trail pass through their city centers, others saw opportunities and positioned themselves to become a vital part of the trail system, says Lynn Wargo, president of the Dunedin Chamber…Continue reading
Nearly 90 pieces of art grace the parks, plazas, and other public spaces in downtown Des Moines, IA. But drawing people through the downtown to see them has been a challenge.Now, the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation is working to bring all of the art together by creating a 6.6-mile trail. Sidewalks along the…Continue reading
Downtown leaders nationwide are exploring the option of allowing consumption of alcoholic beverages in designated districts, or at specific events and the results are largely positive.Alpharetta, GA, passed an ordinance in 2011 allowing one drink per person in a plastic or paper cup of no more than 16 ounces, purchased from a restaurant, to be…Continue reading
Just over a year ago, Racine, WI, resident Dustan Balcom started the Facebook page, Ask me why I love Racine, for people to share what they love about the beleaguered city where they live and work. The next step in his campaign was to convert a downtown construction enclosure into a giant chalkboard where people…Continue reading
Uncovering and promoting a long-forgotten waterfall in the heart of downtown is paying a huge return on investment in Greenville, SC. Since Falls Park on the Reedy opened in 2004, development has sprung up all along the Reedy River in the historic West End area downtown."We are big believers in accentuating the things that make…Continue reading
A new mural trail being created in Stockton, CA, is strategically designed to encourage people to take selfies and share them on social media. The project will eventually feature 15 giant "postcards" at sites intended to draw pedestrians through the city center while also providing education about local history and culture. "People don’t really buy…Continue reading
Providing incubator space for start-up businesses is a trend that will grow stronger as those first start-ups attain independence and fill downtown vacancies, says Michael Burayidi, in an article in the May issue of Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter. Burayidi, chair of the Ball State University Department of Urban Planning, notes that, "What will help in…Continue reading
