Tag: Downtown

Are Main Streets Making a Natural Comeback?

By Amanda Arnold, AICP In 2017 more brick-and-mortar store closings were announced than in any other year on record, driven in large part by online shopping. Yet plenty of consumers want a different experience – and planners are helping to provide that. About the Expert: Amanda Arnold has provided planning expertise as a consultant and… Read More »

Downtown Planning Reinvigorates Urban Cores

By Matt Ashby In the era of strip malls, big box retailers, and suburbia, countless communities across the country are struggling to keep their downtowns thriving. As stores and restaurants locate around many city and town perimeters, the communities’ urban cores are being neglected. However, thanks to the efforts of a nationwide Main Street Movement,… Read More »

Recipe for Great Downtown: Make it Destination with Deep Roots and Authentically Local Flavor

  What Makes a Great Downtown? Keep things authentic by incorporating a community’s history Tell a story with design Improve access to popular locales Make spaces flexible to accommodate multiple uses and purpose Planning for programming opportunities   All communities have the best of intentions when it comes to their downtowns. In most cases, this… Read More »