Downtown – Manchester, Vermont
Isaac Kremer / February 19, 2023 / downtown , placemaking , plaza / 0 comments
Customized blade sign as a stylized coffee cup with steam rising for “Up for Breakfast.” The name has a double meaning because the store is on an upper floor . Positive graffiti with the reminder that “There’s no place , Just like this place , Anywhere near this place . So, this must be the place .” Buildings on Main Street, while detached , show a pattern of development . Original buildings of residential scale were replaced by shops where owners lived above. The final stage is buildings with multiple residences above shops. The Vintage Soul Country Store sign and awning . While they dominate the front of the building they also are part of the architecture , making the function of the space clear .
Northshire Bookstore is one of the best merchandized book stores I ’ve seen. The store is arranged as a series of rooms to conform with the irregular floor plan of the building . Still it manages to have ample open spaces for displays. Makes it very easy to bump into the perfect book or gift item.
View of the signature block from another angle . Note the front -in parking . While increasing parking capacity it does infringe upon public space for pedestrians. Long Ago & Far Away is a gallery featuring jewelry, sculpture , handmade gifts, and native art .
Merchandizing with clear product groupings and zones throughout the store . Enhances the shopping experience by also navigating a series of rooms.
Finally, as we were departing saw this pedestrian plaza with seating , public art , and Vermont granite monoliths for benches.
