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
This image shows the newly revitalized pedestrian alleyway in Historic Downtown Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Located right off historic Route 66, this corridor recently underwent major streetscape renovations to transform a traditional brick alley into an inviting, walkable public space. The building on the right features a prominent, historic painted brick advertisement for the Central Drug Store, showcasing vintage brands like Mentholatum.
Olive’s Bloombox is a florist and gift store at 262 W 9 Mile Rd in Ferndale, Michigan. Each section has a dedicated rug to set it apart from the others. The space is not overly full. Items can stand out and have room to themselves, rather than crowding every inch with product. A recycled wire stool and metal shelves create
Rarely does a store stop me in my tracks because I find it so unique and compelling. Rebel Nell has a physical location in Detroit that doubles as their workshop. They are a social enterprise providing employment to women navigating barriers to work – whether housing insecurity, incarceration, displacement, disability, or other systemic obstacles. Reclaimed materials are taken and transformed
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
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
Baltimore has a distinctive character with rowhouses lining many blocks. This self-serve pop-up to sell fresh flowers is an interesting way to activate public spaces and provide a service, while earning some revenue. We wanted to try an ice cream place but it was closed. So we tried the best chocolate covered berries in Baltimore. Was fun to have a
It’s a startling fact that roughly half of small businesses close in the U.S. in the first two years and 75% in the first ten years. Add to that fact that when small businesses are facing the decision to close, fewer than 20% are sold so that the business can continue under new ownership. When a small business is unable
The Lackawana Railroad terminal building has been creatively repurposed with a barbeque restaurant and bar. The Montclair Center BID is responsible for revitalization efforts in Montclair. The Montclair Historic Preservation Commission prepared these markers to help people familiarize themselves with historic properties in town. Large scale new development is relatively well integrated with the existing historic building stock. Note the
This handsome station and plaza are a common sight for commuters. One needs to walk a few blocks away to see some exciting things happening. These way-finding signs offer an important amenity, especially for first time visitors. Given their significant size, a missed opportunity is to have something on the back blank side. Given the efforts to position Rahway as