Pavement to plaza is a global movement to reclaim parking lots and repurpose them for use by people. William “Holly” Whyte famously said people are most likely to sit where there are places to sit. Food is among the best tools to attract people. Put these together then you have a formula for active, loved, and well used places. Related
History photos enliven an otherwise blank wall. The Bijou is one of several theaters providing for the entertainment needs of the city and region. Water feature through the downtown steps from where the Farmers Market is held each week. Some of the public art commissioned, including a descriptive plaque with price tag. Water feature in Market Square, steps from shops,
The BOB – which stands for “Big Old Building” – is a go to social and entertainment venue in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. They have creatively repurposed the space with dining, indoor and outdoor entertainment, and the new 20 Monroe Live space for up to 2580 people. The outdoor beer garden is more open than others we’ve seen and feels
The 30th Street Station in Philadelphia became a place for some excitin innovation in November 2011. This is when a drive for vehicle pick-up and drop-off was converted to a people-friendly plaza. This was achieved through the addition of food trucks, a beer garden, plantings, and plenty of space for people to spread out.
There are times when an iterative design process fails. There are a variety of reasons for this. Lack of money, waning stakeholder interest, or no champion for the project who pushes for continuous improvement. Such was the case for this block of Taylor Ave between Denny Way and 5th Ave in Seattle. It has many elements that in another setting
McGraw Square and the smaller Westlake Square one block to the north are small triangle parcels that sit at the intersection of 6th and Westlake Avenues. McGraw Square has served as a space for a transit stop and a public restroom, but now it’s a blank spot in the middle of the street. Downtown Seattle Association believes that Westlake Square
Grand Central Terminal sits on a well deserved perch among the architectural and civic treasures of New York City. Across the street, however, is a piece of infrastructure – really, a single block, that has been confoundingly difficult to redevelop. As recently as a year ago this notice greeted people looking forward to seeing Pershing Square Plaza. Additional Resources… BUILDING
Celebrated editor and political leader Horace Greeley (1811-1872) launched the New York Tribune in 1841. From its pages, he had an enormous influence on American popular opinion. Greeley’s famous advice, “Go West, young man, go West,” inspired generations of Americans to seek their fortunes on the new frontier. He advocated protectionism, abolition of slavery, labors rights, and political reform. Greeley