theAaronBlair:Protector of the Urban Core. : 2013

Top Ten Myths of Downtown Revitalization

Myth No. 1: Our downtown just needs one "big ticket" development to turn things around.

Rarely does a "quick fix" really repair a downtown over the long haul. Downtowns that have reversed their downward spirals have typically done so incrementally, through numerous small steps over time. The key to transforming downtown will be found in creating a relevant and meaningful pedestrian experience throughout the downtown.

Myth No. 2: Replacing some existing buildings with parking lots will bring more shoppers downtown.
People do not visit downtowns to park their cars those (parking lots) fronting directly onto streets create dead spaces along the streetscape and are visually unattractive. Parking is one of the favorite topics concerning downtown. Some people think you have too much parking, the other half thinks there is not enough. The problem is not inventory; it is the ease of access and knowledge of location for pedestrians to be able to better utilize parking facilities.

Myth No. 3: Our strategy for revitalizing downtown should focus on retail.
Successful downtowns enjoy a rich mixture of diverse uses however, a singular focus on retail is usually an ill-advised strategy in fact, given its importance to most downtowns, housing is often the best bet of any component residents make their downtown feel inhabited and safe thereby attracting those living outside of downtown to visit for shopping, dining, cultural events and other activities.Retail and entertainment is part of the downtown strategy. However, a fundamental rule of real estate or business is that retail needs consumers. A short-term but highly critical strategy is to establish a primary downtown consumer base utilizing the inner ring neighborhoods around the Central Business District.

Myth No. 4: Attractive new brick sidewalks will bring more people downtown.
New sidewalks, as with streetscape improvements in general, are certainly useful in broadcasting a message that downtown is important to the community. As part of a comprehensive urban design strategy, they will sometimes even stimulate adjacent private development, which can indirectly attract more people to the downtown. However, very few people visit downtowns simply to enjoy their high-quality sidewalks, so their value must always be kept in perspective. Having aesthetically pleasing pedestrian routes would help to contribute to a lively pedestrian experience as high volume corridors of our downtown are developed.

Myth No. 5: Downtown needs a large national department store to compete with the suburban malls.

National stores numeric trade criteria for trade-area are typically too high for all but the largest downtowns. Most downtowns are better served by focusing on niche retailing that suburban malls are not filling, in addition to other uses such as offices, housing and institutions unique, independently-owned stores are among the strongest draws for most downtowns. Most people realize that turning back the clock and making Downtown a home for large national department stores is not the answer at this time. However, downtowns have proved they can be relevant to the consumer by providing a walkable, inviting environment of smaller independently-owned retailers.

Myth No. 6: On-street parking should be converted to another driving lane to improve traffic flows for the benefit of downtown. and
Myth No. 7: Existing one-way streets should be maintained for traffic flows that will benefit downtown.
The inability of vehicles to flow quickly through its streets is not the root of downtowns problems the conversion of on-street parking to driving lanes simply results in faster moving traffic that makes downtowns less pedestrian-friendly for most downtowns, one-way streets prove unnecessary and even counterproductive because they encourage speeding, limit the visibility of retailers and are confusing to new visitors to downtown.

Myth No. 8: Downtown special events are a waste of time and money because few dollars are spent in businesses during the events and a great deal of preparation and cleanup are required.
In most cases, special events are more important for their long-term benefits than for their short-term gains. Special events often attract some people who rarely or never frequent downtown a positive visitor experience during special events can reap tremendous future rewards, including word-of-mouth advertising special events are a worthwhile form of promotion when strategically linked to the downtowns particular marketing strategies. Events are the easiest way to transform the downtown and to build consumer support and loyalty. Special events are significant differentiators from all other suburban options as they are unique to downtown and it builds on our downtown assets.

Myth No. 9: One of downtowns primary streets should be closed to traffic and converted into a pedestrian mall.
Pedestrian malls typically work only in downtowns that have a high resident or employee density, large volumes of tourism, or some other unique characteristic, such as an adjacent university. A balanced approach that integrates the car and the pedestrian is the common ground that will work in Downtown.

Myth No. 10: Too many regulations will kill downtowns businesses.
Well crafted and detailed codes, such as design standards for buildings and signs can clearly elevate the quality of the built environment if used properly. A physically and aesthetically-enhanced downtown typically results in higher property values.

THE END

All Cities are fighting (ATLEAST THEY SHOULD BE!) to retain and attract the millennial generation (Born after 1980). From my perspective, some places are on fire when it comes to this generation; the State of North Carolina, parts of South Carolina (Charleston), Austin, Denver, Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio just to name a few. This group of people tend to be mobile and armed with superior technology. This is an advantage the Millennials will have over the past generations. They stay connected (online) and share with their (social) network the good and bad of the places they live or visit. One question, are you #trending as "the place to be"? This is important because this generation is choosing where they want to live and make an impact first, then finding a job. So what are they looking for in a City?

One word: Walkability

Two words: Cultural Arts

Three words: Great Urban Environment

It’s hard to retain, let alone attract, people who want the option of walking when your downtowns are built for cars. It’s sad, but today we build our downtowns for cars. I was recently reading a story that stated almost 75% of the cities surveyed said that their on-site parking requirements were one of the biggest impediments to downtown development. Right or wrong, I would say that my City has many that feel the same way. Look at parts of Cincinnati and many of the cities along Long Island that have successfully re-energized their downtowns by limiting parking rather than maximizing it. The goal was to encourage walkability thus increasing the likelihood of retail success and creating a greater sense of place and identity.

Final Thought. Those of us who have been charged with leading our cities out of the ashes must be willing to make the hard decisions and recommendations, and be willing to accept the stress that comes with the job of fighting to be the best City we can be. It starts with winning this generation. We will have to refuse to accept anybody’s negative premise about our city and always be an advocate. If I have anything to do with it my city will be #trending #smile :)