Downtown – Westfield, New Jersey
“West Fields” was settled in 1720 and incorporated in 1794.
Spice Bazaar offers casual Indian dining from their sizable storefront. Some outdoor dining is provided on the sidewalk.
Juxtapose Gallery Framing and Design has artistically transformed their narrow storefront and wall on the back of a building.
Multiple landmark two and three-story buildings give Westfield its distinctive character. The human scale of these buildings make Westfield more walkable because the buildings create a nice sense of enclosure of public spaces.
As we left we caught a photo of the sculpture atop a monumental column, and the First United Methodist Church of Westfield.
Visit in October 2024
One of the first things we noticed upon arriving were the somewhat cluttered parking and mobile payment signs. Once feature that we liked, however, was the mobile directory sign with QR code. This provides a trackable measurement for visitation to the downtown.
We visited the Lion’s Roar Brewing Co., a little bit off of the beaten path. Overall we enjoyed the experience.
Fresh & Company was the place we selected for dinner.
The store was very well designed. Wood flooring connected with the natural theme. Green tiled walls and a graphic accent wall to the rear effectively set the tone. Merchandising was just the right amount in the right places to encourage purchases.
We left just as the sun was setting and caught a photo of the sculpture atop a monumental column, and the First United Methodist Church of Westfield.
Visit in 2011
The Westfield kiosks had a locked case. Behind the glass was a poster about opening a business in Downtown Westfield.
In 2004 Westifled was one of five communities to win the Great American Main Street Award.
Parking kiosks in the surface parking lot streamline the payment and collection of funds.
One side of Quimby Street was closed to create a pedestrian plaza and expanded outdoor dining area. This is how it appeared around November 2021.
The rhythm of three and four story buildings define Westfield as a place with a strong street wall. This creates a sense of enclosure and enhances the experience for pedestrians, while making the area more walkable.
Great lengths are taken to continue the street wall, including by false front buildings disguising the one story building behind them.
Landmark quality buildings at main intersections give Westfield a strong sense of place.