Historic Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, NY, hosts a sold out event called Nightfall each year. The Green-Wood Historic Fund works to maintain the cemetery’s “vibrant presence in our current time by presenting open-to-the public events such as walking tours, lectures, and performances.” During the Nightfall event, thousands of candles guide visitors along the cemetery’s winding…To read more — login/subscribe
In Kennesaw, GA (est. pop. 33,700), a downtown cemetery is no longer just a final resting place. The Kennesaw City Cemetery, an eight-acre space that opened in 1863, is being transformed into a greenspace and recreation area. Under a plan approved unanimously by the city council in 2019, the graveyard will host fun runs, yoga…To read more — login/subscribe
May 14, 2020 — In Kennesaw, GA, a downtown cemetery is no longer just a final resting place. The Kennesaw City Cemetery, an eight-acre space that opened in 1863, is being transformed into a greenspace and recreation area. Under a plan approved unanimously by the city council in 2019, the graveyard will host fun runs,…Continue reading
To reopen downtown, consider outdoor dining, “parklets,” and “flex zones” — The recovery from the coronavirus crisis threatens to be arduous and slow-moving. But architects Alan Pullman and Shannon Heffernan, of urban design firm Studio One Eleven in Long Beach, CA, urge cities to use “parklets” and “flex zones” to create spaces for outdoor dining. They also suggest transforming parking lots into al fresco seating areas. The National Association of City Transportation Officials offers guidance on Parklet design.
...Parklet vs Pedlet — A play on the word “parklet,” a pedlet allows for outdoor dining on the sidewalk while the adjacent parking space is converted to a pedestrian way. The video below shows modular pedlet installation in Great Falls, MT. https://youtu.be/jOZEUX0-ebY ...
Even after all-clear, downtown foot traffic might not return to normal — As the coronavirus pandemic has dragged on, it has become clear that consumers and merchants will take time to resume old behavior patterns, says Matt Wagner, vice president of revitalization programs at Main Street America. See Main Street America’s local resident survey questions and small business interview questionnaire. ...
Uber, Lyft increase congestion; here’s how one downtown copes — Before the coronavirus shutdowns silenced downtown Orlando, FL, city officials say designating locations for drivers to pick up downtown patrons improved traffic flow during the late-night rush hour, when bars closed and thousands of people tried to leave a small area at once. Read a traffic study commissioned by Uber and Lyft. ...
The City Council in Lewiston, ME, is considering a range of actions to help local businesses maintain safe social distancing as they begin to reopen. One topic under discussion is sidewalk markers. Public Works Director Dale Doughty tells the local Sun Journal that the city was not designed to safely accommodate lines of people waiting…To read more — login/subscribe
As economic engines, restaurants don’t get a lot of respect. Eateries pay paltry wages to generally low-skilled workers, and dining establishments are notorious for their high rate of failure. And yet, try finding a thriving downtown that doesn’t boast good restaurants. “Restaurants are extremely valuable to cities,” Andrew Salkin, a founding principal of the nonprofit…To read more — login/subscribe
Restaurants and bars will spill out into downtown Stillwater, MN’s, Lowell Park this spring and summer. Located along the St. Croix River, the park features a river walk, open air amphitheater, riverfront fishing, large lawns, and a pedestrian plaza with tables and chairs. The city will add picnic tables and garbage and recycling cans to…To read more — login/subscribe
As New York City begins to slowly reopen, a new issue is emerging: public urination. More and more New Yorkers are taking to the streets and public parks with to-go cocktails and beers, iced drinks, and water bottles. With restrooms at restaurants, bars, and coffee shops closed, public urination is on the rise says the…To read more — login/subscribe
Floating promenades on the historic C&O Canal and pop-up cafĂ©s 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
A group of local food and craft vendors are planning to come together to create a year-round market in a vacant commercial space in downtown Dover, DE. The business owners, all of whom participate in the city’s seasonal farmers market, will offer honey, fresh flowers, kettle corn, meats, eggs, candles, fresh breads, and pastries throughout…To read more — login/subscribe
