Field Notes
Transforming a Neglected Parking Lot – Metuchen, New Jersey
The Metuchen Downtown Alliance created a cool, family-friendly public gathering space in “the worst looking spot in town” with the help of just $2,500 in Edward Jones Placemaking on Main Challenge matching grant funds–and lots of ingenuity and elbow grease. Here’s their story and valuable lessons learned. If I’ve learned no other lesson in my career, it would … Read more
Three-Dimensional Street Crossing – Metuchen, New Jersey (2017)
Artist Edward Wetzel set out to create a 3D pedestrian crossing on December 2, 2017. The location was a private parking lot near a building that was recently substantially renovated and housing several restaurants and a retail shop. Despite being a parking lot, people would walk through between Main Street and new development around a … Read more
AARP Livable Communities – Dallas, Texas (2024)
Attending the Livable Communities National Conference in Dallas was a special opportunity. One of the unexpected highlights was an early morning session on the edge of the conference hall. The topic was on resiliency and disaster response. Four key elements needed during such times were: mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. The facilitator was well prepared … Read more
Bishop Arts District – Dallas, Texas
Pathways Street Furniture Bishop Arts Co-op Vivo Realty Picole Pops Lockhart Smokehouse Small Planet Bikes Dallas Grilled Cheese Co. Society Dirt Bishop Street Market Flashback – October 2013 We first heard of Bishop Arts District as we were preparing for our Better Block Middlesborough build in Kentucky in 2013. The example of pre-vitalization by painting … Read more