There are two phases of design work: to define a problem and develop a solution. Each phase has a diverge and converge element. Defining problems begins by understanding of space and the awareness that all problems can’t be solved. Then it converges on how to best serve customers in a distinctive way. For solution development we also can’t build all
Today the results from the Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Rural Communities Pilot Program . Main Street America has positioned itself well at the center of these important discussions, continuing many years of excellent work with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Several important findings were shared. These were results of nine workshops held in nine different states in 2023. Workshops were
Blade signs are designed to make stores more visible to pedestrians from 20 feet or more. When walking along a sidewalk in a downtown it is hard to see a business until you are right upon it. The blade sign by being visible from a further distance gives a landmark to shoot for and makes the walk more interesting. An
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,
Utility boxes are among those necessary features of modern life that add little to the built environment – in most cases. Some have been painted, others have been wrapped. They can convert a message artistically or philosophically. In Seattle the boxes were used for neighborhood branding and wayfinding. Recently when I was visiting New Brunswick, New Jersey, I found a
Over the last few years I observed how the next town over from where I live has been trying to jumpstart revitalization efforts. The town is Edison and the neighborhood is called Clara Barton. There are a few multi-story buildings but most are single story and spaced out typical of a suburban neighborhood commerical district. In years past planters were
Never underestimate what some green astroturf and timbers can do to activate an empty or underutilized public space. We loved stumbling across this pop-up bocce court in Millburn, New Jersey. Something else they got right was clustering movable furniture, planters, and public art elements. Altogether it made a nice unexpected outdoor gathering space. Only thing lacking is to get the
Coda: we got thinking about economics. If a table is available for sit down diners and is turned over five times with an average ticket of $60, that is $300. Profit margins for restaurants are quite low between 3% and 10%. So for that $300 of revenue the business may make between $9 and $30 in profit. The opportunity cost
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
Return on Marketing Investment (ROMI) involves sharing data which your organization needs to feel successful and excited to do more. Measurement and analysis is a core competency that Main Street programs should have. Of the many tactics that can be used (Search Engine Optimization, Blogging and Content Creation, Social Media, etc.) there are some basic questions: How much did traffic