The “Do’s” Of Streetscape Implementation
Thinking about a streetscape improvement project for your favorite business district? When it comes to designing and implementing public places, we get it. Public places capture the hearts of a wide range of folks: from property owners, residents, business owners, and visitors, to municipal staff and elected officials, everyone has a stake in the success of public places. And while no two projects are ever the same (thank goodness!), the urban design team at Teska is sharing our Top Ten list of Streetscape Tips and Tricks. It serves us well as we navigate public place projects with our favorite communities.
Pop-Up Engagement | Lake Bluff, IL
Downtown Wilmette Streetscape Construction | Wilmette, IL
Schuyler Avenue Streetscape | Kankakee, IL
Teska's Top Ten
A list for implementing successful streetscapes:
1. Design with and for community stakeholders.
Everyone is a stakeholder in a public streetscape: business operators, shoppers and diners, and public works staff. Talk with stakeholders early and often.
2. Develop a tailored outreach plan.
Have a community that gets local news from social media? Community newsletters? Postings on bulletin boards? Develop an outreach plan that matches your community and partner with local business groups to get the word out.
3. Design for function first; seek opportunities to make it unique.
Streetscape design should prioritize safety and access to businesses and destinations. Explore opportunities to infuse community character and identity into downtown, reinforcing it as a special destination.
4. Maintain transparency throughout design and construction.
Outreach shouldn’t end once the bid documents are out the door. Provide updates early and often to keep stakeholders in the know and prepared for construction activities.
5. Develop bid documents with room for flexibility.
As industry pricing fluctuates, bid alternates can provide communities with flexibility when contracting streetscape projects.
6. Never stop designing!
Streetscapes involve a bunch of small details. Include staff and stakeholders to determine final selections during samples reviews and site decisions during construction.
7. Go with the flow.
Streetscape construction rarely goes exactly as planned – especially in a post covid world. Construction scheduling and phasing should remain flexible as appropriate to best meet the sometimes-changing needs of downtown.
8. Local contracting and pricing.
When working amid a locally funded streetscape contract in a home rule community, consider inviting selected contractors to hold unit pricing for upcoming streetscape installations.
9. Keep your eye on the prize.
Construction can be messy and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Share streetscape plans and renderings in public places as a reminder for the finished product.
10. Program! Program! Program!
Nothing beats bringing a community together to enjoy downtown after the streetscape is complete. From sidewalk sales and holiday fests to musical performances and local art exhibitions, programming can help maintain a vibrant downtown environment and inspire visitors to return.