The Observation Deck

http://www.heritageohio.org


Information on Mainstreet.


.

I know it's for Mainstreet info - but that's a cute little college town - looks kind of like Oberlin.

Not too off topic but how was Detroit considered our "mainstreet" in Lakewood over the more down-homey Madison? Just curious.

The National Main Street Center "helps communities of all sizes to revitalize their downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts".

In Lakewood, our goal is to use the Main Street principals to enhance and invigorate our downtown district, and then use that model for the same purposes in our other commercial districts.

That said, this is not rocket science. It's about a disciplined cross-functional approach that is volunteer based. I would be happy to meet with engaged residents to talk about what we are learning and how it might be applied in other areas of town.

Anticipating another question, the Main Street Lakewood district was defined in an all day community meeting held in March 2005 at the Beck Center Armory during a visit by Heritage Ohio D.A.R.T (Downtown Area Assessment Team). At just under 1 mile in length, and anchored by the library on one end and the Winking Lizard/development site at the east end, it serves as reasonably-sized area to launch the program. In time, we expect to widen the district's breadth and depth.

www.mainstreetlakewood.org

Mary Anne

Mary Anne Crampton wrote:The National Main Street Center "helps communities of all sizes to revitalize their downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts".

www.mainstreetlakewood.org

Mary Anne

Mary Anne


Thanks for jumping in. I think the more we all know about various programs, the better off everyone is. As Mainstreet is a recognized redevelopment program, it was only proper for a thread.

Also there is room for the FREE Mainstreet discussion board over at Lakewood Cares.

Thanks for everything you do for this city.


.

Perhaps this link might get more attention on this thread? I was debating about making it a thread of its own. But I believe that Project for Public Spaces could/would be a good addition to the Main Street project.

http://www.pps.org/

Project for Public Spaces is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people create and sustain public spaces that build stronger communities. Founded in 1975, PPS embraces the insights of William (Holly) Whyte, a pioneer in understanding the way people use public spaces. Today, PPS has become an internationally recognized center for best-practices, information, and resources about Placemaking.

This organization could assist with a wider scope of projects including parks, transportation, civic centers, public markets, mixed use development, campuses (if we do want to attract a Kent branch), and waterfronts...

Perhaps I should have the Lakewood Library order The Great Neighborhood Book.

Chris:

Is this the book:

The great neighborhood book : a do-it-yourself guide to placemaking
Walljasper, Jay.
Publisher: New Society Publishers,
Pub date: 2007.
Pages: xvi, 175 p. :
ISBN: 9780865715813

LPL owns it, but it's checked out.

We can order an additional copy if it's long overdue.

Kenneth Warren
Director
Lakewood Public Library

Kenneth Warren wrote:Chris:

Is this the book:

The great neighborhood book : a do-it-yourself guide to placemaking
Walljasper, Jay.
Publisher: New Society Publishers,
Pub date: 2007.
Pages: xvi, 175 p. :
ISBN: 9780865715813

LPL owns it, but it's checked out.

We can order an additional copy if it's long overdue.

Kenneth Warren
Director
Lakewood Public Library

That is the book... I should put a hold on it.

Enjoyed this short update on the www.pps.org home page: "Libraries as Front Porches"

http://www2.pps.org/updates/one-entry?e ... age_center


We know all that!