Downtown – Berkley, Michigan
Downtown Berkley in Oakland County, Michigan, has a long and linear downtown along 12 Mile Road. Some sections have landmark quality buildings and blocks built to the sidewalk. Most of the frontage, however, is of freestanding buildings. This makes it challenging to create the walkable urbanism needed to encourage circulation and support a vibrant small business ecosystem.
We’ll start with the multi-story landmark quality buildings. These represent different architecture from different periods of time. The Art Deco lines of the Berkley Theater and its distinctive marquee creates visual interest and a sense of place. Similarly, the castellated stone and brick building evokes a completely different style. Corners are where the most distinctive buildings typically are located. DSA Architects has an aluminum panel clad building with modern detailing. The Fire House is an impressive Colonial Revival brick building with brick quoins, six-over-one windows, and handsome garage doors at ground floor level. Though it appears that this has not served as a fire house for a very long time.
Most other buildings are one story and of a more utilitarian nature.
The town tagline is “We Care.” This is repeated on street banners and also the clocktower and wayfinding directing people to parking.
Walkability is encouraged, to an extent. The municipal benches are black with arms and of fairly standard design. Private businesses have also put out their own seating and planters.
Signage is not an area where any of the businesses excel. There are a few exceptions. George’s Shoe Repair is hand-painted along a side wall facing the busy street and parking lot. Any hand-painted element like this immediately improves the aesthetics and the visual appearance of the downtown. Likewise, Berkley Collision is on one of the far ends of 12 Mile near a main intersection. It has bold geometry and use of color. One could easily imagine this sign frame being retrofitted to welcome people to Berkley. As the sign for a single store, however, it seems a bit over the top. Compare this to some of the landmark quality neon signs – such as the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign.
