If you want to unlock the secret to reviving your downtown, your evidence-based proof of concept has already taken place in San Francisco — four times now! And the trend is expanding beyond the gates of the Golden State, making impacts in cities far afield like Grand Rapids, MI, and even Savannah, GA. The key? Entertainment Zones. And while we’ve frequently pointed to the use-case scenarios in Downtown San Francisco, the district’s leader, Robbie Silver penned an impressive blueprint piece for Planetizen, outlining just how the storied “doom loop” downtown is reversing its fortunes — and brand perceptions— by activating its streets, and making adjustments to how the district is programmed. We’re all grappling with societal and cultural shifts that accelerated during and post-pandemic, but San Francisco is leading the bleeding edge by updating its zoning and legislation to nurture a new reality that’s alluring to daytime workforces, residents and locals, and regionals alike. You can probably count tourists in the mix too — if not today, word will spread, as these massive streetwide activations become part of the new narrative of place, and become as fêted and vetted as booking a trip to Times Square for NYE, Palm Springs for Coachella or even Louisville, KY for its famed derby event each May. Kudos and congrats to our fave Mister “40 under 40”!
Need more proof that SFCA is leading the way? If Gensler says it’s true, it must be.
Photo credit: Downtown San Francisco Partnership
Animals are magical and universally adored by all ages. We ❤ plants too! But how much does it make your heart swell to combine both AND pull off an amazing, community-driven, interactive placemaking project? Well, look no further than City Ave District, just on the county line between Philly and neighboring Montgomery County. This unique district has a long history as a destination for shoppers, office dwellers, and pop culture references (if you’re a fan of the cult classic “To Wong Foo…”, you may recognize the Welsh-inspired Bala Cynwyd toponym from the flick). This resurgent business district continues to grow, morph, and adapt to the times with tons of new residential and commercial coming in, as well as plenty of reason to come shop, dine, live, laugh, and … VOTE! We’re not talking politics here. We’re talking about this brilliant placemaking initiative the district has undertaken to enhance the streetscape experience, while engaging the community in the fun.
We asked the district about the campaign, and whipsmart Marketing Manager Briana Paschall had this to share, “City Ave District’s Topiary campaign was designed to infuse playfulness into the community, inviting residents and visitors to engage with the district’s public art in a fun and interactive way. By allowing the public to vote on names for the newly installed animal topiaries, the initiative fosters a sense of ownership and connection to the area, enhancing City Ave District’s identity as a vibrant and welcoming space,” and who can ask for anything more?
Photo credit: City Ave District
… that there’s a litany of upcoming international conferences that should be on your radar? Here’s a quick run-down of the places hosting over the next few months, to flesh out your “city bingo” playcards:
- Manchester, UK, July 8-9 — Experience on Main Street, this flagship event shapes the future of place and space with sessions focused on reimagining high streets, downtowns, shopping centres, and lifestyle destinations as vibrant, experience-led places built for the future. BONUS! Don’t miss insights and experience from U.S. luminaries like Nancy Miyahira, Juan Galvan, and our very own Josh Yeager!
- Washington, DC, September 24-27 — IDA 71 Annual Conference & Marketplace is the must-attend industry event of the year. Hosted in the nation’s capital, IDA promises to be jam-packed with content, connections, and community from the world of urban place management
- Montréal, QUE, October 20-22 — HUBMontréal is the international market for creativity, convening the disciplines of architecture, real estate, public realm, and placemaking. Keep abreast of the latest trends while building your portfolio of infinite possibilities.
- San Francisco, CA, November 4-6 — ULI Fall Meeting is where connections spark ideas by bringing together top industry leaders, visionaries, and decision-makers shaping the future of land use and real estate globally.
If you attend any of these upcoming events, give us a shout so we can meet, klastch, and chew the fat!
Photo credit: Envato Elements By GaudiLab
Good content makes us squee, and we gotta give mad props to the Alliance for Downtown New York with their latest visual quiz promoting their annual Shop Dine Guide. Now, some may not get excited about a print directory, but the Alliance astutely drew us in with clever content. Their e-newsletter grabbed our attention with the copy below, that lead to their stellar infographic (marketing managers, how much play could you get out of a visual like this?!?), further drawing attention to, and creating the value proposition for the handheld guide. It’s pure brilliance, and we had to share, word for word!
It’s said that the average adult makes about 35,000 decisions per day, which means there’s a good chance that once EOD rolls around, your decision-making ability is already OOO and MIA. If that sounds all too familiar but you’re also in the mood for an after-work happy hour drink or snack, take our quiz to see some suggestions for where you should go in Lower Manhattan. All you have to do is follow your heart and follow the arrows!
Photo credit: Envato Elements By SeanPavone
Let’s Do Lunch! It’s a call-to-action that we can literally dig into. And we’re featuring this clever promo out of Philadelphia’s core Center City District because it’s craveable, affordable, broadly appealing, and supports the local ratepayer community. While many districts host some sort of restaurant week or dine-around, they’re usually focused on dinner. The crafty creation of this campaign redirects that energy into midday meals, which in turn add allure and a pleasing perk for RTO-mandated workers now forced back into cubicle farms. The parameters of the program start at a two-person experience and come in at $30 per pairing, so not bad for a double dose of individual entrées + apps or dessert. And who’s gonna say no to double dessert?
Photo credit: Envato Elements By kasia2003
“City Ave District’s Topiary campaign was designed to infuse playfulness into the community, inviting residents and visitors to engage with the district’s public art in a fun and interactive way. By allowing the public to vote on names for the newly installed animal topiaries, the initiative fosters a sense of ownership and connection to the area, enhancing City Ave District’s identity as a vibrant and welcoming space,” — Briana Paschall, Marketing Manager, City Ave. District
