Comprehensive data gathering and analysis helped this Business Improvement District make the case for permanent improvements to a temporary park.
(Boonton, NJ, October 1, 2013) — Through an intensive data gathering process, the University City District in Philadelphia, PA, has converted a barren stretch of sidewalk into a successful public plaza. The space was originally devoted to 33 parallel parking spaces, but was converted to a 55-foot by 500-foot sidewalk area during a DOT project.
The District, “quickly humanized the space” with a relatively modest and fully removable set of furnishings, and then enlivened the space with an eclectic range of programs.
These improvements were accompanied by a rigorous study of site usage patterns intended to inform a more capital- intensive, long-term vision for the space. One year after The Porch at 30th Street was unveiled, it was already the site of: 250 places to sit; 20 gourmet food trucks; 1,300 pop-up beer garden patrons; 19 farmers market days; $1,165,000 private dollars raised; and 1,600 rounds of miniature golf.
Details on how the data was collected and used appear in the October issue of Downtown Idea Exchange.
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About the Downtown Research & Development Center
For over 50 years, the Downtown Research & Development Center has acted as the information clearinghouse on practical strategies and tactics for revitalizing the hearts of our cities and towns.
The Group\'s main activities include publishing the widely influential Downtown Idea Exchange and Downtown Promotion Reporter newsletters; publishing relevant books and reports; and operating the DowntownDevelopment.com website.
Website: http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com