Press Releases

Elements of Pedestrian Mall Success Apply to All Downtowns

Of the 200 some malls that were created since the 1960s, only 30 or so remain in place. Most were considered failed experiments, and their streets were reopened to vehicular traffic.

(Boonton, NJ, October 1, 2009) — Many downtowns have tried pedestrian malls as a response to the commercial success of self-contained shopping centers. But, of the 200 some malls that were created since the 1960s, only 30 or so remain in place. Most were considered failed experiments, and their streets were reopened to vehicular traffic.

In a two part series, Downtown Idea Exchange looks at what the remaining pedestrian malls are doing right and the lessons they hold for the future of downtown revitalization.

The second part of the article considers factors that go into making a downtown area safe and inviting for pedestrians, and inhibitive to criminal acts. Good lighting and law enforcement are high among them, but design and wayfinding signage are also key.

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About Downtown Idea Exchange

Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter is published by the Downtown Research & Development Center. For more than 50 years, the Downtown Research & Development Center has provided a forum for exchanging news, information and ideas on how to rebuild the hearts of our cities.

Website: http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com