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.

 


Hip-hop signs ease pain of downtown road closing

December 1, 2019
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An eight-month road closure in downtown Hartford, CT (est. pop. 122,591), caused shoppers, commuters, and business owners to groan. While construction disrupted downtown businesses, the Hartford Business Improvement District (HBID) used whimsical construction signs to make light of the inconvenience and to stress that this, too, shall pass. HBID recognized that traditional construction signs blend…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Closing main drag to cars speeds bus travel

December 1, 2019
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The M14 bus usually crawls across one of Manhattan’s busiest crosstown thoroughfares at 5 mph. After New York City officials barred car traffic along 14th Street, however, the buses suddenly zipped so quickly that bus drivers had to slow down to stick to their schedules. New York City’s promising results could offer an alternative to…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Porch parties, street market among redevelopment strategies for historic area

December 1, 2019
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In Birmingham, AL (est. pop. 209,294), a downtown group is encouraging economic growth through porch parties, a street market for vendors, and pop-up space. REV Birmingham has been focusing on redevelopment of the Woodlawn neighborhood, a historic area located just east of downtown. From April through October, Woodlawn business owners and residents host monthly porch…To read more — login/subscribe

 

What are porch parties?

December 1, 2019
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REV Birmingham provides guidance and a small stipend to encourage local residents and business owners to host Porch Parties and spur entrepreneurial growth. It’s easy says the organization: • Choose a 2nd Tuesday between April and October. • Invite your Woodlawn neighbors, family, and friends. • Host a small gathering in your front yard, back…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Small renovation project makes big mark

December 1, 2019
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The renovation of a handful of highly-visible homes is being cited as a driver of the economic turnaround in Millinocket, ME.  The Northern Forest Center launched the Millinocket Housing Initiative in 2017 with the goal of renovating 10 properties and providing housing options for staff at nearby Millinocket Regional Hospital. As of October, the initiative…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Turning mess into opportunity

December 1, 2019
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What could have been a messy and unpleasant situation has become an annual tradition and attraction in downtown Portland, OR.  The problem is crows roosting in downtown trees at night. “Cars, sidewalks, benches, handrails, and just about everything else under the trees is fair game when Mother Nature calls, leading to concentrated splatters of bird…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Pop-up igloos extend outdoor dining season

December 1, 2019
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Igloos have been popping up in cold-winter cities for several years and the trend continues in 2019. On restaurant patios, decks, and rooftops, the dome-shaped igloos provide a cozy spot to dine, drink, and enjoy the outdoors.  In Michigan, they can be found everywhere from downtown Detroit to the suburbs to Petoskey and Marquette in…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Downtown opens doors to private restrooms

December 1, 2019
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The Mpls Downtown Improvement District has launched an ambitious program to improve access to public restrooms. Called the 100 Restrooms Project, the initiative is a partnership of the DID and the City of Minneapolis.  The project grew from community input, a detailed assessment, and a pilot project called Little Free Lavatory. For more on increasing…To read more — login/subscribe