Downtown – Cranford, New Jersey
Cleveland Plaza is a level of architectural intervention unusual for an older building. The canopy on steel and reinforced concrete armature gives a neat hat to this building.
i was fortunate to get a peak into St. Michaels church down the block.
The stained glass, while narrow and compact had themes and coloration that made them stand out.
Religious statuary of St. Michael, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and he mother St. Anne were all very impressive.
Keating Physical Therapy with its attractive signage and color wall behind the front desk demonstrate how even a service business can improve the street it is on.
For a relatively small upfront investment, Downtown Cranford has taken a negative in the form of a vacancy and by updating the windows with their graphic has shown this is a space available.
The Street layout in Cranford is unique with many angles that open vistas beyond the building on the corner. The intersection beneath the NJ Transit bridge has a forest of steel columns. Overhead the Welcome to Downtown Cranford sign is a wayfinding and place branding opportunity.
This alley has an iron entry arch with lettering overhead further reinforcing the Downtown Crawford brand. This would be an ideal location for the public art and architectural lighting to enhance the walls to either side.
The storefront for urban burger, while compact, stands out. There is a good hierarchy with the main sign over the door that has appropriate lighting. The logo at eye level on the entrance and pencil graphics in side windows.
Am angular plaza in front of the Cranford Theater provides a public space. The asphalt surrounding it, however, is larger by a factor many times greater.
People are most likely to sit where there are places to sit. This also draws the brand and story of the business Hickory & Hill on to the sidewalk. The seating evokes coziness, socializing, and relaxation.
Three businesses in compact storefronts within the same building. Unified signage but note how each brand and logo remains distinct. Lighting overhead insures the building will also be visible at night. A major plus.
Delice Macarons shows how even a compact sidewalk can be effectively utilizes. Wonderful job brining the brand colors out on the sidewalk through the furnishings and wall painting. There is no mistaking what this store sells.
Caught the local coffee shop in the middle of a maintenance project seasoning and staining the wood over the entrance. Inside and outside this business projected a welcoming vibe.
The Cranford Hotel, while no longer a hotel proper, remains an important venue. The porch on the second floor provides a commanding view of the surrounding area.
The sign painting for the hotel is one of the few examples of hand painted messaging that I could find. The double circle white board and tasteful accents fill the space on this salvaged brick wall very well.
Vine & Oak Tavern is a relatively new addition with top of the line design evident. The outdoor dining is among the finest per seat I have seen anywhere. Shade, plantings, and furniture combine so harmoniously.
While I didn’t try to verify it I’d plausible that Cranford Best Bagels and Delu is the best stop for bagels in Cranford. Close proximity to the train station and a steady que of people tends to verify this.
Mr. Js made effective use of hand painted window lettering that is mirrored in the rotating sandwich board. Here too a minor outdoor dining investment extends the business out on to the sidewalk.
A sign near the train station identified social giving as a defining trait of Cranford.
Nearby another marker recognizes all the volunteers who have served the Cranford community.
while walking near the train station I came to appreciate how the odd arrangement of the streets with obtuse and acute angles at different corners helped to make Cranford an exciting place to navigate.
Craft has a blade sign and sandwich board to highlight the entrance. Sandwich board could be improved by replacing the plastic base with more substantial customized board that has the brand name at the top. Decorative awning brings bran d colors outside though I’m pro used little in the way if shade and protection due to the small distance it extends from the facade.
The James E. Warner Plaza dedicated in 1941 provides a valuable waiting area for bus passengers near the railroad station.
This two story composition with a corps de logis in the center and one story wings to either side provides up to four small storefronts. Spaces this size are most in demand by startup businesses
This wonderful tile panel in a metal piping frame recognizes the Rotary Club that meets for lunch Thursdays at 1215. This is further proof of active volunteers and civic groups.
An attractive asphalt walking path gives access to nature while still near the center of town.
The Crane-Phillips house is an old excellent Victorian Folk Revival. Occasionally it is open to view exhibits inside.
The First Presbyterian Church of Cranford is shingle clad with a bell towel topped by a copper roof.
City Hall is Colonial Revival with a square tower with entrance set at the intersection between two wings.
Nice to see a sizable rain garden with plans suitable for pollinators outside of City Hall. This sends a powerful message about sustainability in Cranford.
One last outside dining installation outside of a Mediterranean restaurant. Plantings and artificial turf delineate the public walk from the dining area. Mature street trees contribute to a shaded spot.
Art on utility boxes helps to take a utilitarian feature and make it attractive.
This gorgeous Gothic Revival church has handsome curvilinear badge boards and a unique tower.
Evidence of a downtown gift card program was on display in a store window.
This sunken circular plaza built around a clocktower is a perfect place for meeting up with a friend.
Finally, Bread De La Vie is in an attractive classical building with paired columns to either side.