Downtown Idea Exchange

Each month downtown leaders turn to Downtown Idea Exchange for practical news reports, how-to information, and hundreds of real-world examples of how downtowns are growing and prospering.

 


Small-scale development concept leads to “polite” new building that fits urban fabric

February 1, 2021
In Portland, ME, a local couple envisioned a three-story, mixed-use building in the city’s Deering Center neighborhood. However, they faced a number of challenges. Such a building hadn’t gone up for years. And the developers — architects Kiya and Denis Lachman — were rookies. But they pursued the plan anyway, ultimately completing a structure that’s…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Steady stream of small improvements drives downtown turnaround

February 1, 2021
When Evan Kaufman became executive director of the Hopewell Downtown Partnership a decade ago, the small city’s core was struggling. The neglected downtown of Hopewell, VA (est. pop. 22,456), was filled with rundown buildings. Food options were sparse, and locals didn’t think downtown was safe. “In Hopewell, it was beyond downhill,” Kaufman recalls. “It had…To read more — login/subscribe

 

New year, new trees

February 1, 2021
In January, Philadelphia’s Center City District passed the halfway point in its efforts to plant 200 new street trees. The overall goal of Plant Center City is to bring the total number of street trees in the district to 2,500. In making the announcement, the District notes the benefits of urban street trees: “Research on…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Local delivery service supports downtown restaurants

February 1, 2021
While many restaurants nationwide rely on third party services like Grubhub and Uber Eats to get meals delivered quickly, they bemoan the high commission rates. To help restaurants in downtown Jackson, MS, Visit Jackson and Downtown Jackson Partners teamed up with a local delivery service. The goal was to expand delivery options for local restaurants…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Placemaking challenge funds events and infrastructure

February 1, 2021
Round three of the Downtown BC Placemakers Challenge is underway in Battle Creek, MI. The competition seeks to develop new leadership by funding downtown events and infrastructure projects.  The events category seeks to fund “awesome projects that get people back together, engage them in their community, bring them downtown. These projects may be singular one-time…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Downtown Idea Exchange, February 2021

February 1, 2021
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Money-matching game supports downtown, boosts social connections

January 1, 2021
Downtown leaders in Macon, GA (est. pop. 153,159), had an idea that seemed far-fetched. They hoped to spur interest in local merchants by printing their own currency, and then setting up a unique scavenger hunt based on the custom scrip. When local residents expanded the game to Facebook, and small businesses began hosting events based…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Lessons from Macon Money

January 1, 2021
The Knight Foundation, which provided funding for Macon Money, says the program provided three valuable lessons: • Macon Money encouraged exploration. Games free people to try new things against a backdrop that’s playful and safe. In Macon Money, residents took advantage of their free currency to experiment with new spending habits: 46 percent of players…To read more — login/subscribe