Downtown Planning for Smaller and Midsized Communities

by Walker; Philip

• ISBN13: 9781932364675
• ISBN10: 1932364676
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2009-05-01
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

A good plan will help revitalize a struggling downtown or sustain a successful one. But what constitutes good downtown planning? Through a series of interviews with planners, officials, and citizens Philip L. Walker offers practical tips for preserving a sense of place, improving fiscal efficiency, and enhancing quality of life.

Author Biography

Philip L. Walker, AICP, is the principal of the Walker Collaborative, which is involved in downtown and neighborhood revitalization, historic preservation, and community visioning.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations	p. v
Foreword	p. ix
Acknowledgments	p. xiii
Preface	p. xvii
The Groundwork Before Planning	p. 1
What Prompts a Plan?	p. 2
Keeping Planning in Perspective	p. 7
Selling the Need for a Plan	p. 7
The Process of Preparing a Downtown Plan	p. 13
Diagnostic Phase: Research and Analysis	p. 14
The Big Ideas: Creating the Concept Plan	p. 20
Rolling Up Your Sleeves: Draft Plan Preparation	p. 26
Finalizing the Plan	p. 33
What Happens After the Planning?	p. 35
The Physical Plan	p. 39
Land Uses: Mix Them Up	p. 44
Blocks, Lots, Streets, and Alleys	p. 55
Making Your Downtown Pedestrian Friendly	p. 66
Parking	p. 76
Loading Areas	p. 84
Transportation Alternatives	p. 85
Buildings	p. 90
Signage	p. 103
Public Spaces, Art, and Interpretation	p. 104
Infrastructure and Utilities	p. 113
Harnessing Mother Nature	p. 118
Summary	p. 122
The Economic and Marketing Plan	p. 123
Understanding the Market	p. 125
Identity Development	p. 132
Centralized Retail Management	p. 135
Business Development	p. 141
Marketing and Promotion	p. 149
Social Issues	p. 164
Implementation Strategy	p. 171
Organizational Structure	p. 171
Public Policy	p. 178
Funding and Financing	p. 192
Priorities, Assignments, and Phasing	p. 200
Conclusion: What Is Really Important?	p. 205
References	p. 215
Index	p. 219
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