When it comes to radically changing the downtown streetscape and creating compelling attractions, it doesn’t get much easier than inflatables. Turn-key event producers offer giant inflatable waterslides, obstacle courses, and even public art installations. In February, Osuna Park in Peoria, AZ, welcomed the illuminated inflatable "Light at Play: An Interactive Art Experience." The six-piece display…Continue reading
In 2013, leaders of Main Street Marshfield, in Marshfield, WI, wanted to bring a bakery downtown. Rather than traditional business recruitment techniques, the Main Street program hosted the Baker Battles. Bakers from the surrounding area competed in a bake-off with a prize of $500 and a grant if they opened a downtown bakery in the…Continue reading
Back in the 2000s, there was little reason to visit downtown Sisters, OR (est. pop. 2,643). The main thoroughfare was a high-speed freight route, and there were few reasons for traffic to slow, or for visitors to stop. The sidewalks were narrow and poorly maintained. And the mix of businesses was uninviting. But Sisters has…To read more — login/subscribe
Somerset, KY, unveiled a new wayfinding system that features directional and informational signs throughout downtown streets. The signs carry the city’s brand and logo, and their role is both practical and less obvious revealing connections, highlighting diversity, and demonstrating community pride. The network was launched in Somerset’s downtown core with plans to expand to other…Continue reading
Community Visioning for Place Making is a fascinating and actionable guide to engaging with communities to design better public spaces. It includes 10 steps to successfully completing a Community Visioning process for any location, be that a single block, neighborhood, or city center. In addition… 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
As the coronavirus pandemic closed downtowns across North America, downtown Detroit’s biggest landlord tried something different. Bedrock, a major property owner in the struggling city’s commercial core, told tenants it wouldn’t collect their rent. The most generous rent forgiveness terms go to small businesses, while bigger companies can get smaller breaks. “It is going to…To read more — login/subscribe
Every other week you receive the summary of an article from Downtown Idea Exchange. Over the course of the year we’ve covered everything from business recruitment, to streetscape improvements, to placemaking. To wrap up the year, we’re highlighting five of our favorite posts. Creative, informative, and adaptable, they showcase some of the best work in downtown…Continue reading
In 51 chapters by 46 authors Parking and the City shows how reforming parking policies can discourage sprawl, while enhancing walkability and local economic development. Over a decade ago, author Donald Shoup, wrote the widely influential book, The High Cost of Free Parking. In it he reviewed the… Continue reading
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, Ann Arbor, MI (est. pop. 121,885), decided to waive downtown parking fees at attended lots. “The decision to not charge hourly off-street parking customers is directly aimed at helping stop COVID-19 by eliminating cashier interactions with customers,” DDA Executive Director Susan Pollay told the Ann Arbor News. The move came as…To read more — login/subscribe
