better block rapid urban revitalization projects
TRANSCRIPT
BETTER BLOCKRAPID URBAN REVITALIZATION PROJECTS
an implementation project of: 2
A living charrette where communities can actively engage in the “complete streets” build out process to show the potential for
revitalized economic activity in an area.
WHAT IS A BETTER BLOCK?
August 2012
an implementation project of: 3
before after
SAN ANTONIO, TEXASSan Antonio’s first Better Block Project, held in coordination with the City of San Antonio’s Complete Streets Initiative and Metro Health’s SiClovia, transformed a vacant building, overly wide streets, and empty park into a thriving, active neighborhood destination.
WHAT IS A BETTER BLOCK?
August 2012
an implementation project of: 4
WHAT IS A BETTER BLOCK?
before after
FORT WORTH, TEXASOver time, formerly pedestrian-oriented South Main was widened into a huge, barren four-lane road with fast traffic and very little people space. Better Block reoriented the street and demonstrated to other urban areas of the city how to make a “complete street.”
August 2012
an implementation project of: 5
WHAT IS A BETTER BLOCK?
before
FORT WORTH, TEXASWith a budget of under $500 to perform the guerilla complete streets makeover, bike lanes, cafe seating, landscaping, and pedestrian crossings were installed to spotlight the potential of an existing block that was built with little accommodations for people.
August 2012
afterafter
an implementation project of: 6
WHAT IS A BETTER BLOCK?
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDAA bleak warehouse-lined block in the FAT Arts District of downtown Fort Lauderdale was transformed into a walkable destination during Build A Better Block.The up and coming artist community, normally lined with barbed wire and industrial warehouses, was converted into a lively community hub complete with art, music, and vendors.
before after
August 2012
an implementation project of: 7
WHY BETTER BLOCK?• PRODUCES CONCRETE RESULTS instead of showing an abstract sketch
• MAKES CITY/STATE STAFF/LEADERS’ JOBS EASIER with the temporary testing of ideas
• CREATES OWNERSHIP (and champions) in residents and business owners
• SHOWS DOCUMENTATION that disarms naysayers
• PROMOTES INNOVATION by testing the most innovative best practices on the ground
• PUSHES BOUNDARIES without the financial commitment
August 2012
an implementation project of: 8
AN EXPANDING MOVEMENT
Gulf Coast Better Block Projects
August 2012
USA Better Block Projects
an implementation project of: 9
BETTER BLOCK OUTCOMESDALLAS, TEXAS The city dedicated $1 million to improve bicycle infrastructure, create a pedestrian plaza and incorporate traffic calming elements. The second Better Block resulted in a $500,000 investment from the city.
FORT WORTH, TEXAS The city installed permanent bike lanes. Now called South Main Urban Village, this stretch of road is home to many new businesses.
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE Business in the area tripled, restaurants extended their hours to keep up with new demand, and real estate in the area has noticeably increased. People are returning more regularly and a museum is looking to relocate to the area.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI A pop-up retail shop opened as a permanent retail establishment in downtown Kansas City.
August 2012
an implementation project of: 10
HOW TO BUILD A BETTER BLOCK
August 2012
1. Pick your spot
2. Assemble a team
3. Work with local resources
4. Connect with something larger
5. Use empty storefronts
6. Give people a reason to stay
7. Pop up!
8. Invite artists
9. Obtain a permit
10. Invite local VIP’s
an implementation project of: 11
BETTER BLOCK BATON ROUGE
August 2012
an implementation project of: 12
BETTER BLOCK BATON ROUGEGOALS: - To find a unified vision among Baton Rouge’s stakeholders and
potential investors for Government Street- To demonstrate the impact of an innovative traffic solution and improved public
and retail spaces on economic and community development
PARTNERS:
POTENTIAL PARTNERS: All public and private schools, local neighborhood associations, area residents, businesses, artists… and YOU!
August 2012
an implementation project of: 13
BETTER BLOCK BATON ROUGE
Proposed Pro j ec t Ex ten t s
August 2012
an implementation project of: 14
BETTER BLOCK BATON ROUGE
Existing Site Conditions
August 2012
an implementation project of: 15
BETTER BLOCK BATON ROUGE
Site Improvement Plan
August 2012
an implementation project of: 16
BETTER BLOCK BATON ROUGE
1
65
3 42
Proposed Infrastructure Improvements
1
7 8
1 65
3
7
8
4
2
August 2012
an implementation project of: 25
1
BETTER BLOCK BATON ROUGE
11
6
8
3
75
1
2
Proposed Human Element Improvements
5
1
7
2
August 2012
3
4
4
86
an implementation project of:
BETTER BLOCK BATON ROUGEProcess
an implementation project of: 35
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
August 2012
STAY UPDATEDFollow Better Block Baton Rouge online for updates and
a calendar of volunteer events leading up to the launch!
CONTACT Camille Manning-Broome [email protected]
Tara Titone [email protected]
Bet ter B lock Baton Rouge – March/Apr i l 2013