HRSR INFORMATION 06-24-2002 J,iFpfMAT/p iv
City of
Elk -�-�
River
MEMORANDUM
TO: Housing & Redevelopment Authority
FROM: Heidi Hall, Economic Development Assistant
DATE: June 24, 2002
SUBJECT: Downtown Revitalization Conference - Initiative Foundation
Attachments
• Downtown Revitalization Conference Brochure
• Articles written by Dr. Kent Robertson, speaker for the Downtown Revitalization
• Conference
The Initiative Foundation is hosting a Downtown Revitalization Conference that staff will
attend in Little Falls, MN on July 11, 2002. The conference will feature presentations by
specialists in downtown revitalization. Topics include:
• Local ownership and the Importance of a Diverse Economy
• Sense of Place: Downtown's Role in Building a Healthy Community
• Strategies for Creating a Shared Community Vision
• Revitalization: Where to Begin
• Financial Resources and Technological Assistance
• Models of Success: Communities That Have Been There,Done That
If any HRA members would like to attend, staff can submit the registration. Staff has also
provided the downtown Rivers Edge Business Association with the conference information.
Staff will provide a summary of the conference to the HRA at its August 26th meeting.
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Community and Economic Development Toolbox: Downtown Development Key Trends ... Page 1 of 4
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xm I, TIP Toolbox Home Downtown Development
Getting Started Key Trends & Practices
Using the Toolbox
Source: Policy Brief 8 (June 2001), University of
Go to Tools Missouri-St. Louis Public Policy Research Center
Send us Feedback! Kent Robertson, Ph.D.,
St. Cloud State University-Minnesota
• Contact Us
C aRDI The purpose of this article is to present some of the key
downtown development trends and practices in the United
Cornell Cooperative States. These trends are based on the author's extensive
Extension research,writings, and consulting activities in the field of
downtown development.
Penn State
Cooperative Trend #1: Emphasis on Multi-Functional Uses.
Extension Downtowns have always housed a wide variety of functions.
Where else can one find shopping, services, professional
LN.ervtbaing old offices, hotels, churches, housing, entertainment,the arts,
vv; g, , `°A."' libraries, dining, government offices, and more, all within
1 w New Approach to walking distance of each other? Different functions bring
o'" unit i)e`velop t'''' different types of people downtown at different times of the
g ractt ', e» tar
Stay 22-23,2002 day and week,thereby increasing the volume and distribution
of downtown activity levels.
Although downtown retailing can never hope to recapture the
dominant role of its heyday, recently there has been a notable
increase in several other functions. Cities large and small
have encouraged the development of more housing in and
next to the downtown. Redevelopment and new development
• of market rate, senior, and subsidized downtown housing has
been widespread. Tourism has also been widely utilized as an
economic development tool because of its potential to
generate income from outside of the community and to
6/21/2002
http://www.cardi.cornell.edu/cd toolbox 2/tools/downtown trends.cfm
Community and Economic Development Toolbox: Downtown Development Key Trends ... Page 2 of 4
encourage a broader mix of downtown shops, services, and
• restaurants.
Trend #2: Enhancement of Sense of Place. Most
downtown development efforts now recognize the value of
possessing a strong sense of place. A sense of place serves to
create an inviting downtown that encourages people to linger
and is distinctive from other settings that suffer from
placelessness (i.e., shopping malls,big box retailers, strip
malls).A number of strategies have been implemented to
enhance downtown's sense of place. First, cities have made
downtowns more pedestrian-friendly by widening sidewalks,
making street-crossings easier and safer, and adding
pedestrian amenities. Second,to take advantage of the
distinctive older architecture found downtown, cities and
downtown associations have established low-interest
revolving loan funds for façade improvements and have
instituted design guidelines or ordinances. Third, cities have
added and enhanced downtown open space. Open spaces are
important to a downtown because they encourage people to
linger and provide a setting for community gatherings.
Finally, cities fortunate to possess a downtown waterfront
have worked to clear the waterfront of obsolete or
undesirable uses, increase public access, and provide clear
• pedestrian linkages to the commercial core.
Trend #3: Development of a Community Vision. For
many years planning for downtown development was a top
down endeavor directed by government property owners, and
businesses. The 199o[s ushered in a more community-
inclusive approach. Downtown visioning sessions have
become a popular starting point by identifying: 10 civic goals
and objectives for the downtown, 2) assets upon which the
downtown can build, 3) key problems, issues, and barriers
that must be addressed, and 4) opportunities that can be
taken advantage of. The key to successful visioning is to
include a wide variety of downtown interests -including
small businesses, residents, employees, and institutions -
together with city government and other interested parties
from the community at large.
Trend #4: Use of Private/Public Partnerships. The
partnering of private and public interests and resources has
become a dominant feature of successful downtown
development. An active and well-organized downtown
association can help downtown businesses and property
• owners work together towards their mutual benefit, serve as a
unified voice representing downtown interests, and engage in
marketing, promotions,business recruitment, and event
coordination.
http://www.cardi.cornell.edu/cd toolbox_2/tools/downtown_trends.cfm 6/21/2002
Community and Economic Development Toolbox: Downtown Development Key Trends ... Page 3 of 4
Trend #5: Application of the Main Street Approach.
• A very popular approach to downtown development,
particularly in small cities, is the Main Street Approach. This
approach emphasizes the balanced use of four critical
elements; i) organization of downtown businesses and
interests, 2) design that enhances visual qualities and historic
architecture, 3) promotion and marketing and 4) economic
restructuring and business recruitment.
Trend #6: Attention to Promotional Activities. The
promotion of downtown attractions,businesses, and events
has become a major dimension of downtown development
today. Promotions are usually spearheaded by the downtown
organization. These organizations recognize the necessity of
reacquainting long-time residents and introducing newer
residents and visitors to the virtues of downtown. Staging
downtown events, such as festivals, parades, concerts, and
craft shows, can bring people downtown and expose them to
what the downtown has to offer.
Trend #7: Creation of New Suburban Downtowns.A
recent trend that provides extraordinary evidence of the value
and importance of downtowns is the development of new
• downtowns in suburbs that heretofore have never possessed a
traditional core district. In suburban communities from
Rockville, MD to Valencia, CA, new town centers have been
constructed that mirror many of the attributes of traditional
Main Streets, such as a high density pedestrian-friendly
setting that contains a variety of functions, including
government facilities in many cases. These suburbs are
hopeful that their new downtown will serve to provide a
much needed identity and sense of place for their community.
Conclusion
What lessons should policy makers take from this review?
First, cities of all sizes, including an increasing number of
suburbs,value downtown for its economic benefits,heritage,
identity, and sense of community/place. The entire
community, not just the downtown,benefits from a healthy
downtown. Second, a strong commitment by local
government, in conjunction with a well-organized and active
private sector, is essential for successful downtown
development. Third, it is important for state government to
be on board too. Many states have established either a State
main Street Office or an Office of Downtown Development for
• the purpose of providing much needed technical assistance
and financial recourses to support local downtown
revitalization efforts.
http://www.cardi.cornell.edu/cd toolbox_2/tools/downtown trends.cfm 6/21/2002
Community and Economic Development Toolbox: Downtown Development Key Trends ... Page 4 of 4
Kent Robertson, Ph.D., is Professor and Director of
• Community Development at St. Cloud State
University (Minnesota). He has published more than 20
professional articles on downtown development,been a
keynote speaker at several state and national conferences,
and assisted communities with their downtown development
efforts through facilitating visioning sessions (Marinette,
Wisconsin; St. Cloud, Minnesota), conducting workshops
(Yonkers, New York; Wausau,Wisconsin; Hartford,
Wisconsin), and leading community forums (Jonesboro,
Arkansas;Anoka, Minnesota).
For more information and a copy of the full article, contact:
Kent Robertson, Professor &Director
Community Development Program
Department of Community Studies
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud MN 56301-4498
phone: 320-255-3184
fax: 320-654-5413
e-mail: kent@?stcloudstate.edu
Center for Community Economic Development
• University of Wisconsin - Extension
New York State Main Street Alliance
National Main Street Center
Back to Home/Back to Toolbox Index
copyright 2001 Cornell Univeristy and Pennsylvania State Cooperative Extension
contact the webmaster
•
http://www.cardi.cornell.edu/cd toolbox_2/tools/downtown trends.cfm 6/21/2002
Community and Economic Development Toolbox: Enhancing Downtown's Sense of Place Page 1 of 5
•
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Toolbox Home Enhancing Downtown's
Getting Started Sense of Place
Using the Toolbox
Source: Main Street News
Go to Tools Number 157, September 1999
Send us Feedback! Robertson, . .,
StKent. Cloud State UniPhversDity- Minnesota
• Contact Us
Why would a person
ch
oose your downtown as a destination
CaRDI with so many other alternatives available? Certainly many, if
not most, of the goods and services offered there can easily be
Cornell Cooperative obtained elsewhere.Your main street probably does not
Extension contain the large national chains, deep discount prices, or
acres of free parking that appeal to many customers.
Penn State
Cooperative The answer is a strong sense of place, a characteristic rarely
Extension associated with regional malls,big box retailers, or suburban
commercial corridors.
LA erething Old is
„` A strong sense of place is vital to the health and propriety of a
The e ` 11 t downtown, especially in smaller cities. In this article, we'll
Ct) n tiz ni D yelaim look at three aspects of this issue:
gay$x-23.2002
. What are the key elements of as e
nse of place and why
are they so essential to successful downtowns?
. What can commercial districts do to enhance their
sense of place?
. What role does the Main Street Approach play in
creating and reinforcing a strong sense of place.
• at is a sense of place?
What does h of place? 's
at eight key exactly elements it mean that are to pivotal a to sense a main strees Lett' sense
6/21/2002
http://www.cardi.cornell.edu/cd toolbox_2/tools/sense_of place.cfm
Community and Economic Development Toolbox: Enhancing Downtown's Sense of Place Page 2 of 5
of place:
• 1. Downtown is distinct from other commercial
settings.
A distinctive place embodies a character, look, flavor, and
heritage that are not found in other locations, especially
within the surrounding region. To best enhance its distinct
qualities, a downtown should build upon its intrinsic historic,
economic, natural and cultural amenities. It should also
strengthen, integrate, and promote the following seven
elements, few of which are found in commercial settings
erected over the past few decades.
2. The downtown, and its sense of place, has evolved
over time.
A downtown's sense of place was not created at a single point
in time. It has evolved to represent multiple generations.
Communities change over time economically, socially and
culturally, and downtowns are better able than most places to
reflect that in their built environment.
3. Downtown represents the unique heritage of the
• community.
A sense of place is closely associated with the degree to which
individuals can connect to a locale in terms of their own
experiences and those of their family and community. The
downtown, more than any other place in most cities, reflects
much of the heritage and experiences of a broad spectrum of
people.
4. Downtown is multifunctional.
Downtowns provide a greater range of functions than any
other location in the region. A single downtown may serve as
a place for employment, shopping,worship,tourism, housing,
government services, dining, entertainment, lodging and
cultural attractions.
Multiple functions give a wider variety of users a reason to
visit downtown. Not only does this help to enhance activity
levels throughout the day and week,but it also creates more
stakeholders for the district. More functions will result in
more people including the downtown as an important place
within their overall sphere of activity.
5. Downtown is pedestrian friendly.
http://www.cardi.cornell.edu/cd toolbox_2/tools/sense_of place.cfin 6/21/2002
Community and Economic Development Toolbox: Enhancing Downtown's Sense of Place Page 3 of 5
A sense of place is best experienced on foot. Therefore, a
• commercial district with a strong sense of place has made
strides to tame the automobile and to make pedestrian needs
a high priority.
6. Human activity is vital to a sense of place.
Regardless of its aesthetic qualities, a built environment
requires the presence of people to produce a desirable,
appealing place. Not only do people make a business district
look more vital; they will in turn attract more activity since
people are drawn to bustling, lively places. The level of
human activity is a function of economics (multiple functions
attracting diverse users) and physical setting (heritage,
aesthetics, and pedestrian accessibility).
7. Downtown encourages people to linger.
A sense of place invites people to stay longer than is
necessary to conduct their business. People will be tempted to
linger if a place is comfortable, safe, attractive, and
interesting. The longer people choose to stay downtown,the
more establishments they will visit,thereby providing an
• economic benefit as well.
8. Downtown engenders a high level of community
ownership.
The question of community ownership is directly connected
to the degree that citizens actually use the downtown. The
higher the number of stakeholders,the greater the level of
ownership and interest and the greater the potential for
downtown to be integral to the overall sense of community-
the idea that downtown is everybody's neighborhood.
How can your main street enhance its sense of
place?
Most traditional business districts contain many, if not all, of
the aforementioned elements. To take advantage of these
amenities,which are not prevalent in the majority of newer
commercial settings, main streets from coast to coast have
utilized a variety of strategies. Here are some key
enhancement strategies that have worked in communities
throughout the nation.
Creating a pedestrian-friendly downtown
Many downtowns have striven to make the experience of
walking more enjoyable by adding amenities for pedestrians.
http://www.cardi.cornell.edu/cd toolbox_2/tools/sense_of place.cfm 6/21/2002
Community and Economic Development Toolbox: Enhancing Downtown's Sense of Place Page 4 of 5
Widely used amenities include:
• • Brick pavers to make sidewalks look more distinctive;
• Street trees to soften the environment and provide color
and shade;
• Human-scale street lights for enhanced aesthetics and
illumination;
• Banners and flags to make the district look more festive
and colorful; and
• Benches to give people a place to sit, rest, and watch
what goes on around them.
Taking advantage of the waterfront. Water is a
powerful draw and can help instill a strong sense of place.
Two important principles underscore effective downtown
waterfronts. First, cities must provide clear pedestrian
linkages between the commercial core and the water. Second,
public access is essential. The design of waterfront buildings
and open spaces must make it easy to get to and view the
water.
Providing and enhancing open spaces. Open spaces
. are important to a downtown's sense of place. They
encourage people to linger by providing a place for them to
sit, relax, read, engage in conversation, and just contemplate
life. Besides supplying the district with much-needed
vegetation and shade, open spaces can also accommodate
community gatherings.
Kindling community pride. A strong sense of place
cannot be created overnight, nor can it be the result of one
major project or initiative. With the assistance of a vision and
plan that incorporates the elements of place described in this
article, a downtown can achieve a strong sense of place
through the convergence of numerous projects and efforts,
many of which are small scale.A distinctive commercial
district is the sum of many coordinated, individual initiatives.
America's main streets have the unique opportunity to tap
into the collective memories, experiences, and activities of
many individuals. Even though people will continue to
patronize big-box discounters and suburban shopping malls,
they will feel little sense of ownership at these locations.A
distinctive main street becomes much more than a utilitarian
place of business; it is a place where people can find meaning,
enjoyment and community pride.
http://www.cardi.cornell.edu/cd toolbox_2/tools/sense_of place.cfin 6/21/2002
Community and Economic Development Toolbox: Enhancing Downtown's Sense of Place Page 5 of 5
Kent Robertson, Ph.D., is Professor and Director of
• Community Development at St. Cloud State
University (Minnesota). He has published more than 20
professional articles on downtown development,been a
keynote speaker at several state and national conferences,
and assisted communities with their downtown development
efforts through facilitating visioning sessions (Marinette,
Wisconsin; St. Cloud, Minnesota), conducting workshops
(Yonkers, New York; Wausau, Wisconsin; Hartford,
Wisconsin), and leading community forums (Jonesboro,
Arkansas;Anoka, Minnesota).
For more information or a copy of the entire article, contact:
Kent Robertson, Professor &Director
Community Development Program
Department of Community Studies
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud MN 56301-4498
phone: 320-255-3184
fax: 320-654-5413
e-mail: kent @stcloudstate.edu
• Center for Community Economic Development
University of Wisconsin - Extension
New York Main Street Alliance
National Main Street Center
Back to Horne/Back to Toolbox Index
copyright 2001 Cornell Univeristy and Pennsylvania State Cooperative Extension
contact the webmaster
•
http://www.cardi.cornell.edu/cd toolbox_2/tools/sense_of place.cfin 6/21/2002
Community and Economic Development Toolbox: Pedestian-Friendly Cities Page 1 of 4
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Toolbox Home Pedestrian-Friendly Cities
Getting Started
Source: Minnesota Cities
Using the Toolbox October 1998
Go Tools Kent Robertson, Ph.D.,
St. Cloud State University-Minnesota
Send us Feedback!
Walking,the most widely utilized from of transportation in
Contact Us the world,has become increasingly difficult in large and
• small cities. The benefits of a pedestrian-friendly city are
CaRDI abundant. By reducing the necessity of the car for all trips,
goals related to sustainability and environmental quality are
Cornell Cooperative enhanced. The more people are on foot, the greater the
Extension opportunities for social contact and interaction,thus
promoting a greater sense of community.A pedestrian-
Penn State friendly environment helps maintain the vitality of the
Cooperative downtown area, a major objective of many cities. In addition,
Extension fewer traffic accidents involving pedestrians occur. Finally, a
city that is oriented more towards pedestrians can reduce
tpert tiling Oi is municipal expenditures in the areas of road construction and
;� maintenance, police and ambulance service, uninsured
`t New: pihr; 'h t medical costs, and infrastructure.
,lay2 2002 A fundamental principle underscores a pedestrian-friendly
' � � city: People will choose to walk if the pathways are safe,
comfortable and enjoyable; if distances between destinations
are deemed walkable; and, if destinations are clearly linked
by a network of sidewalks and pathways. With this in mind,
here are seven recommendations to assist cities in becoming
more friendly to pedestrians.
• Reduce traffic speeds. Nothing discourages walking more
than fast moving traffic. Faster traffic results in a more
dangerous and less enjoyable walk.
http://www.cardi.cornell.edu/cd toolbox_2/tools/ped_friendly_cities.cfm 6/21/2002
Community and Economic Development Toolbox: Pedestian-Friendly Cities Page 2 of 4
To slow down vehicles, cities can implement a number of
• tactics. a) converting driving lanes to parallel parking,b)
planting trees and other landscaping along the roadside, c)
encouraging buildings to be constructed closer to the street
rather than behind a parking lot; d) altering the road surface
approaching pedestrian crossings and e) including more
speedbumps and speedtables in the roadways.
Make intersections easier to cross. Whether or not
streets are easy to cross is a key factor in deciding to walk or
to drive. Stop signs and traffic signals are certainly helpful,
although the latter are usually aimed at moving automobiles,
not pedestrians, efficiently. More effective are curb
extensions, center medians, and mid-block crosswalks.
Add new or widen existing sidewalks. People will
seldom walk without sidewalks, even in low-traffic residential
areas.Yet sidewalks are few and far between in most housing
subdivisions and commercial areas built during the past few
decades. Cities should require that sidewalks be included in
all new development proposals.
Furnish a clear pedestrian network. If people have a
• clear network of sidewalks and pathways between their
homes and other destinations such as downtown, schools,
parks, shopping, recreation government offices and services,
they will choose to walk more often. Sidewalks cannot exist in
isolation or go nowhere,but rather must be connected well.
This is especially true for the downtown area that can benefit
by good pedestrian linkages to nearby neighborhoods.
Provide pedestrian amenities.A number of amenities
can make the experience of walking more interesting and
enjoyable. Benches or ledges give people a place to rest,talk
and people-watch, and should be distributed widely.
Attractive, human-scale lighting helps provide a pleasant
aesthetic and a sense of security. Trees, planters, hanging
flower baskets, city banners, and brick pavement all make a
pedestrian environment more attractive.
Amend city ordinances. Single use zoning and lower
densities often result in an unfriendly pedestrian
environment. Amending the city ordinance to permit cluster
developments and the close proximity of housing to other
activities will encourage walking. Parking ratios should be
reduced to prevent the predominance of large surface parking
• lots. Surface parking lots also inhibit walking by spreading
buildings farther apart. Where possible, parking should be
encouraged behind or to the side of structures to bring the
http://www.cardi.cornell.edu/cd toolbox_2/tools/ped_friendly cities.cfm 6/21/2002
Community and Economic Development Toolbox: Pedestian-Friendly Cities Page 3 of 4
buildings closer to the street.
• Pay special attention to downtown. Cities with
downtowns are fortunate to possess a ready-made pedestrian
destination. To make the most of this asset, cities should pay
special attention to the quality of the pedestrian environment
on main street. A city that is serious about implementing the
above recommendations should start downtown.
Moreover, several other downtown-specific guidelines need
to be heeded. Parking lots and ramps should be located on
the edges of downtown to not impede pedestrian movement.
Pedestrian-only linkages should be provided between parking
lots and the main streets. Large setbacks and blank walled
buildings should be avoided.Attractive building facades -
ideally with eye-catching window displays - should be
encouraged through design guidelines and/or low-interest
revolving loan funds.
Both rural and metropolitan municipalities can enhance the
quality of life for their residents by applying some of these
recommendations. One overarching recommendation is to
incorporate a strong pedestrian-oriented component into the
• city's next comprehensive plan update. This emphasis will
help ensure that future generations will enjoy the benefits of
living in a more sustainable and pedestrian-friendly city.
Kent Robertson, Ph.D., is Professor and Director of
Community Development at St. Cloud State
University (Minnesota). He has published more than 20
professional articles on downtown development,been a
keynote speaker at several state and national conferences,
and assisted communities with their downtown development
efforts through facilitating visioning sessions (Marinette,
Wisconsin; St. Cloud, Minnesota), conducting workshops
(Yonkers, New York; Wausau,Wisconsin; Hartford,
Wisconsin), and leading community forums (Jonesboro,
Arkansas; Anoka, Minnesota).
For the entire reprint of this article (including bibliography),
please go to:
Center for Community Economic Development
• University of Wisconsin - Extension
For more information:
http://www.cardi.cornell.edu/cd toolbox_2/tools/ped_friendly_cities.cfin 6/21/2002
Community and Economic Development Toolbox: Pedestian-Friendly Cities Page 4 of 4
Kent Robertson, Professor &Director
• Community Development Program
Department of Community Studies
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud MN 56301-4498
phone: 320-255-3184
fax: 320-654-5413
e-mail: kent@stcloudstate.edu
New York Main Street Alliance
National Main Street Center
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