Downtown – Rahway, New Jersey

Isaac Kremer/ September 4, 2024/ downtown, Field Notes, Physical, plaza, public art, Social, storefront, Writing/ 0 comments

This handsome station and plaza are a common sight for commuters. One needs to walk a few blocks away to see some exciting things happening. These way-finding signs offer an important amenity, especially for first time visitors. Given their significant size, a missed opportunity is to have something on the back blank side. Given the efforts to position Rahway as

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Downtown – Atlantic City, New Jersey

Isaac Kremer/ August 8, 2024/ downtown, Field Notes, Physical, public art, storefront, Writing/ 0 comments

The entrance into Atlantic City gives a nice sense of arrival with these vertical pylons with stylized letters. A cluster of national chain stores makes it clear this is a shopping destination. The Nike store has pride of place while turning the corner towards the major resorts on the shore. Coach is located in the Tanger Outlets development, basically turning

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Downtown – Toms River, New Jersey

Isaac Kremer/ June 8, 2024/ beer, downtown, Economic, Field Notes, Physical, public art, Writing/ 1 comments

Toms River proudly displays how they are one of approximately two dozen Main Street New Jersey communities in the state on the entry signage to their downtown. As the county seat for Ocean County there is a preponderance of offices here for the county, the Municipality, various organizations, and many lawyers. A small entertainment and restaurant scene is here also

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Main Street Now – Birmingham, Alabama (2024)

Isaac Kremer/ May 31, 2024/ Civic, Economic, Field Notes, Physical, placemaking, public art, Social, storefront, Writing/ 0 comments

Over the past decade I have attended every in person Main Street Now conference. Through that experience I have developed both expectations and an appreciation for the unique strengths and lessons that each host city has to offer. Birmingham was no exception. In a post spanning two parts I will share about my experience with the leadup to the conference

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Terminal A – Newark, New Jersey

Isaac Kremer/ May 5, 2024/ beer, Economic, Field Notes, Physical, placemaking, public art, Writing/ 0 comments

Recently Terminal A in Newark, NJ, was named the best new terminal in the world. Almost immediately upon arriving it was apparent why. Great thought went into designing an environment worthy of the travel experience. From the way finding, to seating, to public art, and retail mix with many local businesses – comfort of travelers was front of mind. It

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Downtown – Cocoa Beach, Florida

Isaac Kremer/ January 22, 2024/ downtown, Field Notes, Physical, public art, storefront/ 0 comments

Ron Jon Surf Shop is the undisputed anchor for Cocoa Beach. There are a number of other businesses – both bars and restaurants – that contribute to a festive atmosphere downtown. Area142 is an outdoor performing arts venue with a private bar space for more contained activities. The “Downtown Cocoa Beach Main Street” mural has a googie aesthetic. Painting was

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Downtown – Florence, South Carolina (2023)

Isaac Kremer/ September 1, 2023/ downtown, Field Notes, Physical, placemaking, plaza, preservation, public art, Writing/ 0 comments

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,

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Field Notes: Pop-up Bocce Court

Isaac Kremer/ June 21, 2023/ Field Notes, Physical, placemaking, public art, Social, tactical urbanism/ 0 comments

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

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