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Hidden in Plain Sight: Fixing Your Downtown's Overlooked Problem Areas

Writer's picture: Healthy Sustainable CommunitiesHealthy Sustainable Communities

Updated: Jan 17


 beautified utility box on a sidewalk painted with art

As city administrators and planners, we often focus on big-ticket items when revitalizing our downtowns. However, it's the small details that can make a significant impact on the overall appearance and feel of your city center. This post highlights often-overlooked elements that detract from your downtown's appeal and provides practical solutions to address them.


1. Utility Box Beautification

A utility box beautified with local artist artwork
Image Courtesy of LA Public Works

Problem: Plain, often graffitied utility boxes create eyesores throughout downtown.

Solution: Transform utility boxes into public art pieces.


Implementation:

  1. Review local utility box beautification guidelines

  2. Engage community artists or groups for design proposals

  3. Obtain necessary permits and approvals

  4. Use approved materials and techniques for artwork application

  5. Apply anti-graffiti coating to protect the finished work


Cost: $200-$500 per box, depending on size and complexity


Maintenance: Regular inspections should be conducted to assess the condition of the artwork, with touch-ups or reapplication of anti-graffiti coating performed as needed to maintain the visual appeal and integrity of the piece over time.


2. Alley Entrance Improvements

A clean, well-lit alley entrance with decorative paving and planters in a small oregon town

Problem: Neglected alley entrances create uninviting dead zones.

Solution: Transform alley entrances into inviting pedestrian spaces.


Implementation:

  1. Install decorative pottery and flowers, paving, or paint designs at alley mouths and throughout the alley.

  2. Add lighting and signage to improve safety and wayfinding

  3. Encourage adjacent businesses to create secondary entrances


Cost: $2,000-$5,000 per alley entrance


Maintenance: Implement a regular cleaning schedule and conduct annual inspections to address any wear and tear, ensuring the alley entrance remains attractive and functional for pedestrians and businesses alike.


3. Vacant Building Window Displays


An engaging window display in an otherwise empty storefront, showcasing local art in a small town in oregon

Problem: Empty storefronts create a sense of decline and disengagement.

Solution: Implement window display standards for vacant buildings.


Implementation:

  1. Create a city ordinance requiring window displays in vacant storefronts

  2. Partner with local artists, schools, or historical societies for rotating displays

  3. Offer incentives to property owners who maintain high-quality displays


Cost: Minimal city investment; costs primarily borne by property owners


Maintenance: Establish a rotation schedule for displays and conduct regular check-ins with property owners to ensure compliance with standards, addressing any issues promptly to maintain the overall aesthetic appeal of the downtown area.


4. Sidewalk Edge and Tree Well Maintenance

Well-maintained sidewalk tree well with permeable pavers

Problem: Cracked sidewalk edges and neglected tree wells create trip hazards and an unkempt appearance.

Solution: Implement a regular maintenance program for sidewalk edges and tree wells.


Implementation:

  1. Conduct a thorough inventory of problem areas

  2. Prioritize repairs based on severity and foot traffic

  3. Install permeable pavers or rubber surfacing in tree wells


Cost: $500-$1,500 per tree well; sidewalk repairs vary


Maintenance: Establish a routine inspection and maintenance schedule to address issues promptly, including regular cleaning, weed removal, and repair of any damage to pavers or surfacing to ensure safety and aesthetic appeal.


5. Building Corner Visibility Improvements

Clear, well-lit building corner with attractive landscaping in a small town in oregon

Problem: Cluttered or neglected building corners obstruct sightlines and create safety hazards.

Solution: Enhance corner visibility and aesthetics.


Implementation:

  1. Work with property owners to remove visual obstructions

  2. Install corner planters or public art pieces

  3. Improve lighting at intersections


Cost: $1,000-$3,000 per corner


Maintenance: Implement a regular maintenance routine that includes cleaning, landscaping upkeep, and prompt repair of any damage to ensure that building corners remain safe, visually appealing, and obstruction-free.


6. Rear Entrance Enhancement

Attractive rear entrance of a building with signage and planters

Problem: Neglected rear entrances detract from overall downtown appeal.

Solution: Encourage businesses to improve rear entrances for dual-frontage appeal.


Implementation:

  1. Offer matching grants for rear entrance improvements

  2. Provide design guidelines for cohesive aesthetics

  3. Improve alley lighting and paving


Cost: Varies; city investment in grants and infrastructure improvements


Maintenance: Develop a collaborative maintenance plan with business owners to ensure regular cleaning, upkeep of signage and decorative elements, and prompt addressing of any issues to maintain the enhanced appearance of rear entrances.


7. Parking Lot Border Aesthetics

arking lot with attractive border landscaping and artwork in a small town in oregon

Problem: Stark, uninviting parking lot borders create dead zones in the downtown fabric.

Solution: Implement attractive borders for surface parking lots.


Implementation:

  1. Install low fencing or hedges to define edges

  2. Use permeable pavers for the first few feet of lot borders

  3. Incorporate public art or murals on adjacent blank walls


Cost: $20-$50 per linear foot for basic landscaping


Maintenance: Establish a regular maintenance schedule that includes pruning, weeding, and cleaning of border areas, as well as periodic touch-ups or repairs to fencing, pavers, and any incorporated artwork to maintain the aesthetic appeal of parking lot borders.


8. Storefront Lighting Consistency

A main street with bright lighting along a downtown street in a small town in oregon

Problem: Inconsistent storefront lighting creates an uneven and sometimes unsafe nighttime environment.

Solution: Establish storefront lighting guidelines and incentives.


Implementation:

  1. Create lighting design guidelines for businesses

  2. Offer energy-efficient lighting upgrade grants

  3. Coordinate a "light up the night" campaign for consistent evening hours


Cost: Minimal city investment; primarily business owner costs


Maintenance: Implement a regular inspection program to ensure compliance with lighting guidelines, and work with business owners to address any maintenance issues promptly, including bulb replacement and fixture cleaning, to maintain consistent and appealing storefront lighting.


9. Weather Protection Coordination

Coordinated awnings and weather protection along a downtown block of buildings in a small town in oregon

Problem: Aesthetically Mismatched or missing awnings and weather protection create a disjointed streetscape.

Solution: Coordinate weather protection elements for a cohesive look.


Implementation:

  1. Develop design standards for awnings and canopies

  2. Offer matching grants for businesses to upgrade weather protection

  3. Install public covered walkways in key areas


Cost: Varies; mix of public and private investment


Maintenance: Establish a regular inspection and maintenance program for weather protection elements, including cleaning, repair of any damage, and periodic replacement of worn materials to ensure longevity and consistent appearance throughout the downtown area.


By addressing these often-overlooked elements, you can significantly enhance your downtown's appeal without breaking the bank. Remember, consistency and attention to detail are key. While these solutions can provide quick wins, developing a comprehensive downtown improvement strategy is crucial for long-term success.Need help creating a tailored plan for your downtown?


HSC's team of experienced urban planners and economic development specialists can guide you through the process, ensuring your downtown revitalization efforts are both effective and efficient. Contact us today to learn how we can help your community thrive.

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