Downtown – Detroit, Michigan (2026)

Isaac Kremer/ May 31, 2026/ AI Assisted, downtown, Economic, Field Notes, Physical, placemaking, preservation, storefront, streetscape/ 0 comments

February 2026 We visited as the work in Greektown was underway. The construction fencing and photographs were helpful. March 2026 Wayfinding signage helps to direct people around downtown Detroit. The streets are notoriously difficult to navigate due to the radiating avenues from Grand Circus Park. The Griswold Apartments, a modern residential addition built directly on top ofthe pre-existing 10-story 150

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Main Street Now – Tulsa, Oklahoma (2026)

Isaac Kremer/ April 13, 2026/ Economic, Field Notes, market, Physical, placemaking, Training/ 0 comments

The Main Street Now conference is the largest gathering of downtown revitalization leaders each year. This year the conference is in Tulsa from April 12-15, 2026. Wayfinding helps to orient to the downtown. There are multiple subareas that they define. I started in the Cathedral District, moved through the Art Deco district and got as far as Utica Square by

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Cortex – St. Louis

Isaac Kremer/ February 18, 2026/ Economic, Field Notes, Physical, placemaking, preservation, public art, streetscape/ 0 comments

The Cortex innovation district is conveniently located by transit from the airport and other locations throughout St. Louis served by Metro. Upon arriving in the district one of the first things that struck me was the prairie grass project. A very conscious effort was made to plant native materials. The Police Department Parking Garage had more character than most buildings.

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Spanish Steps – Rome, Italy

Isaac Kremer/ September 8, 2025/ Field Notes, Physical, placemaking, preservation/ 0 comments

This historical image is an 18th-century copperplate etching titled “Scalinata in Piazza di Spagna”, created by the famous Italian engraver and architect ⁠Giuseppe Vasi around 1740–1752. It was published as part of his monumental ten-volume work, ⁠Delle magnificenze di Roma antica e moderna. The ⁠Fontana della Barcaccia sits at the foot of the iconic Spanish Steps in the heart of

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Piazza della Repubblica – Rome, Italy

Isaac Kremer/ September 3, 2025/ Field Notes, Physical, placemaking, plaza, preservation, storefront/ 0 comments

The piazza is located at the top of the Viminal Hill, near the Termini train station. The distinctive semi-circular palaces lining the square (known as the Palazzi dell’Esedra) were designed by architect Gaetano Koch and built between 1887 and 1898. Their curved shape mimics the exedra (a large semi-circular recess) of the ancient Baths of Diocletian, the remains of which are

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Downtown – Birmingham, Michigan (2025)

Isaac Kremer/ July 11, 2025/ downtown, Field Notes, garden, Physical, placemaking, preservation, public art, storefront, streetscape/ 0 comments

Birmingham has a core of historic buildings; interesting storefronts with restaurants, bars, and shops; a variety of housing options; and features that make desirable public spaces. Taken together these make the downtown an enjoyable place to visit. The Ford-Peabody Mansion was built in 1878 by Frank Ford and given to his daughter, Alta, a year later when she married Burt

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Busch Gardens – Williamsburg, Virginia

Isaac Kremer/ June 17, 2025/ beer, Economic, Field Notes, garden, Physical, placemaking, plaza, public art, streetscape/ 0 comments

This is the 50th year anniversary of Busch Gardens. While some people enjoy fast rides I am one who keeps my feet planted firmly on the ground. While walking around I could not help but appreciate the thought and effort that went into the scenery, art, and visitor experience. Entrance gater to the parking garage sets the tone for the

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Dr. Phillips Center and POP! – Orlando, Florida

Isaac Kremer/ November 5, 2024/ Field Notes, Physical, placemaking, public art/ 0 comments

Dr. Phillips Center and plaza are an important cultural amenity in Orlando. This massive light pylon with curved glass panels creates a sense of excitement when people visit the plaza in front of the center. Across the street in City Hall Plaza is POP! – a temporary public art installation with five towering monoliths that hold playful creatures that come

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Downtown – Lambertville, New Jersey

Isaac Kremer/ October 26, 2024/ downtown, Field Notes, Physical, placemaking, Social/ 0 comments

In 1778, Lambertville was the colonial river crossing village known as Coryell’s Ferry. During the Revolution the Continental Army crossed the Delaware River from Pennsylvania and camped here from June 2022, 1778, on their way to the battle at Monmouth. St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church has an impressive edifice in the heart of the town. The present structure

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