Wilmington, NC (est. pop. 122,610), has rekindled downtown traffic with Downtown Alive, an initiative focused on social distancing and outdoor dining. In Kalamazoo, MI (est. pop. 76,557), the downtown district has introduced a new social district that allows for public consumption of alcohol. Both programs are focused on the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.…To read more — login/subscribe
For the past 19 years, people have flocked to the annual Blueberry Festival in downtown Marquette, MI. The summertime favorite features sidewalk sales, food vendors, crafts, blueberry specials, pony rides, children’s activities, and inflatables. For 2020, the event was transformed from Blueberry Fest to Blueberry Quest. Starting the morning of Friday, July 31, 20 “blueberry”…To read more — login/subscribe
As in many communities, Johnson City, TN, regulates ground-floor uses in the city center. These spaces are designated for the businesses which drive foot traffic and vitality to the area. Now, the Regional Planning Commission is considering amending the city’s zoning code to allow ground-floor housing downtown. City staff suggests that there are opportunities for…To read more — login/subscribe
Pop-up retail is being considered as part of the downtown development initiative in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada. Rather than popping-up in vacant or underused downtown space, the city envisions businesses popping up in refurbished shipping containers. The containers would be moved between locations as opportunities arise. Read an archive article about creative retail space using…To read more — login/subscribe
Floating promenades on the historic C&O Canal and pop-up cafés in Washington Harbour are just two visions of how iconic Washington D.C. spaces might be re-shaped to meet changing needs as the pandemic lingers. Nine bold concepts for D.C. spaces were developed by regional architects and designers for Washingtonian magazine. See all nine concepts. A…To read more — login/subscribe
The average high temperature for July in Auburn, CA, is 92 degrees. That makes it difficult to enjoy downtown’s Central Square Art Park. Completed in 2016, the park was envisioned as a place to host small music and entertainment events. But, by the spring of 2017 it had become clear that the park was too…To read more — login/subscribe
The once-bustling downtown in Ottumwa, IA (est. pop. 24,676), hopes to lure visitors and residents back to the city center. The small city has embarked on an ambitious program that includes new housing units, an overhaul of its streetscapes, and new attractions. Planning for the $6 million project kicked off in October 2017, when Main…To read more — login/subscribe
Attendees at the Ottumwa Better Block event ranked their favorite elements of the project. Among the 114 participants, landscaping received the highest score. For the demonstration, the sidewalks were lined with trees, flowers, corn stalks, and pumpkins to contribute to the festive atmosphere.To read more — login/subscribe
In a bid to boost business at downtown bars and restaurants, the city of Owensboro, KY (est. pop. 59,188), has loosened rules around outdoor consumption of alcohol. As the pandemic pushes patrons outside and leaves downtowns bereft of visitors, many cities are considering revamped codes concerning alcohol. Owensboro’s downtown, along the banks of the Ohio…To read more — login/subscribe
