Hometown Bank Plaza is a scenic community gathering park located at 203 N Water St. This central plaza was constructed and donated as a gift to the people of Kent by Hometown Bank. It was built in 1998 to celebrate and commemorate the financial institution’s 100th anniversary of community banking in the region (the bank … Read more
Throughout my career it has been my pleasure to work with Main Street America. This week I was pleased to see a quote attributed to me at the top of the Main Street America Weekly e-blast that goes out to downtown revitalization leaders nationally. My full quote about the Main Street America Academy follows: This … Read more
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 … Read more
The central sanctuary of the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica has a massive, custom-designed Art Deco baldachin (ciborium) suspended above the main altar. The box-like hanging canopy features intricate stained glass panels that glow from internal illumination. The glass depicts tongues of fire, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. Multicolored, vertical glass prisms and geometric … Read more
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 … Read more
East End Market in Audubon Park neighborhood of Orlando, Florida, 2016. Photo of John’s Neighborhood Bulletin Board from Haddon Heights, New Jersey, 2018. Newark Community Bulletin Board, Newark, Delaware, 2018.
Abingdon, Virginia, 2013 with logos of major civic organizations all in circles neatly displayed in a grid.
While they can be a nice feature that is both functional and aesthetic, when not maintained they detract from the character of the building they are on. Such is the case of this orange and tan striped awning to the left that supports an impressive bloom of moss and mildew. This is beyond cleaning. The … Read more
Asphalt that has been shaped to resemble brick or other patterns. Can be given a distinctive color to help it further stand out. Photo from Caldwell, New Jersey, 2018. Photo from Jersey City, New Jersey, 2018.
