Knox Street in Dallas, Texas repeats the same design on either side of the light pole. At one level it makes the brand colors, logo, and social channels more prominent. At another level it is a missed opportunity to have a more design driven treatment with different content, colors, or messaging on either side of the poles. The district is
Cleveland Plaza is a level of architectural intervention unusual for an older building. The canopy on steel and reinforced concrete armature gives a neat hat atop this structure. I was fortunate to get a peek into St. Michaels church down the block. The stained glass, while narrow and compact, had themes and coloration that made them stand out. Religious statuary
Toms River proudly displays how they are one of approximately two dozen Main Street New Jersey communities in the state on the entry signage to their downtown. As the county seat for Ocean County there is a preponderance of offices here for the county, the Municipality, various organizations, and many lawyers. A small entertainment and restaurant scene is here also
Ron Jon Surf Shop is the undisputed anchor for Cocoa Beach. There are a number of other businesses – both bars and restaurants – that contribute to a festive atmosphere downtown. Area142 is an outdoor performing arts venue with a private bar space for more contained activities. The “Downtown Cocoa Beach Main Street” mural has a googie aesthetic. Painting was
In early 2024 we had an opportunity to visit Sebastian, Florida. Located on an inlet, the experience of this place is inextricably tied to the water. In the early 20th century President Theodore Roosevelt designated one of the first bird sanctuaries in the U.S. A local restaurant we stopped at had a view of the inlet. This drainage channel neatly
The First National Bank commissioned William Lewis Plack to design this building. Plack was inspired by the Renaissance-revival style made popular at the 1882-1893 Chicago World’s Fair. More specifically, according the architect James T. Wollon, Jr., the building is an adaptation of an 18th-century English gatehouse or garden temple and the street façade may have been taken from the plates
This gateway signage for Historic Hightstown is substantial and has external lighting so it also stands out at night. Monumental in scope it sets a tone for what people should expect in town. The streetscape and storefronts widely vary. An overload of signage and waterfall awning with excessive text detract from the historic appearance at street level. Wayfinding signage directs
We drove from New Jersey for a chance to see one of the three Great American Main Street Award winners for that year. My colleague Hannah Davis joined me to give a tour of Florence to me and my two kids who were travelling with me. Right away we were struck by the presence of large institutions like this one,
Millburn has an ideal location, close to New York City and at the foot of the South Mountain Reservation. There are many assets here including the Paper Mill Playhouse and the Greenwood Gardens not too far away from the downtown. Here are a few highlights from a recent visit. Fantastical Garden, 2022 This sculpture by Dan Fenelon has signature vivid
As a frequent visitor to the Jersey Shore, we’d often pass through Point Pleasant Beach on our way to the shore. When an opportunity came up to visit and learn more about the revitalization happening there – it was too great of an opportunity to pass by. Right away we were struck by the incredible landmark quality historic buildings. This