When we visited Albion it was a considerable surprise to see Superior Street being repaved. The last time this was done in the 1990s it was a novelty and at considerable expense, because few if any other state highways were paved in brick. We took a look at the buildings suspended over the Kalamazoo River, … Read more
Apex Historic District Management has led the successful revitalization of the Main/Market Historic District in Akron, Ohio. Their activities date back to 1996. Tony Troppe and the Everett Group/Historic District Management Company have successfully revitalized a number of buildings utilizing historic preservation tax credits as a tool to spur development. The Main/Market Historic District was listed … Read more
We’ve heard many good things about Akron through the years. Upon a recent visit it was inspiring to see how much has been done to make their downtown a beautiful well-designed space. Some of the placemaking ideas we observed are detailed below. Custom Designed Cast-Concrete Planters These one-of-a-kind planters are throughout the downtown. They are … Read more
Akron is miles ahead of most places when it comes to making technology for makers easily available for its residents, library users, and businesses. The Akron Public Library in the center of downtown is handsomely outfitted with a whole suite of equipment to help with making vinyl banners, 3d printing, transferring media from one format … Read more
This plaza was built with the following amenities: one litter receptacle, four planters, 113 linear feet of seating and 40 movable chairs, four trees within plaza, seven trees on street, a fountain with a lattice screen along eastern and northern walls, a bubbler fountain along colonnade, and a colonnade.
Recently we had the pleasure to visit the Skyscraper! exhibition at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, New Jersey. A few key excerpts from the exhibit follow. What is a skyscraper? Tall buildings are forged from human aspiration, science and engineering. They change peoples’ perceptions of their world and are part of our sustainable future. … Read more
Visual projection in the entrance hall promoting membership at The Met. Member names scroll as a way to show appreciation. Outside of The Met, these stylish umbrellas create a shaded oasis and protection from the sun. This activates the Fifth Avenue frontage making the sidewalk a destination onto itself.
“West Fields” was settled in 1720 and incorporated in 1794. The Rialto Theater is among a rarer and rarer breed of operating downtown movie theaters. Spice Bazaar offers casual Indian dining from their sizable storefront. Some outdoor dining is provided on the sidewalk. Juxtapose Gallery Framing and Design has artistically transformed their narrow storefront and … Read more
Highland Park, located in Middlesex County, is a community with a design forward feeling – especially when it comes to public spaces. This playful public art project fills an otherwise blank wall. The colorful figures bring a sense of excitement and energy to the downtown. No detail is too small to escape notice. These customized … Read more
Captain Hiram’s is one of the most visited locations in Sebastian. It has a waterfront location that is greatly enhanced through the quirky murals on the wall. Upon arriving one is greeted by a stylized modern undersea or aquarium vibe. Pictures are painted as if they are hung on the wall creating a floating effect. … Read more