CHANGE OF PLANS

Hi All!  For the time being I will be putting my ideas for downtowns on a different web page.  If you want to continue to see ideas for making your downtown more interesting, please go here:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/528592021098874/         I am currently working at the City of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and many of the ideas I'm putting on the Facebook page are applicable to any downtown.     This blog site will remain open and I will return here in the future.   Cheers!

SNOW MURALS

This is something I only learned of recently.  Another opportunity to hold "events" or competitions in downtown.  Obviously dependent upon weather, but probably the lowest cost event ever.   https://blockclubchicago.org/2019/01/29/this-chicago-artist-is-making-delightful-murals-out-of-snow/?fbclid=IwAR2n_WXWBudQdp-3JkLqcz9S_h2dDkP7WK3mEe2IF7bGQCgtqQVqVQ0yKB0

RESTAURANT MENUS AND WHY THEY SHOULD BE POSTED ON THE OUTSIDE

Local (non-franchise) restaurants are another reason people may look forward to coming to a downtown district.  Trying something out of the ordinary can be a great experience or it can be a buzz kill for a visitor if it's the wrong experience for the visitor.

Visitors walking by your restaurant will likely consider coming in, but if the uncertainty is too much, they will likely take a pass.  Most people will only give themselves a few seconds to make that decision.  Your odds, as a restaurant, will improve if a visitor knows what it is you serve, what it is going to cost them and if the restaurant is kid friendly or not.   A lot of thoughts running through a visitor's head in a few seconds.

Eating isn't dating, but helping to insure there is a good match between the restaurant and what the potential customer is looking for will make for a better experience for everyone involved.

TREE STUMPS AND WHAT TO DO WITH THEM

Regardless of size, many downtowns have had to deal with removing trees.  Unfortunately many communities don't have the money to remove trees stump and all.  As a result, some downtowns will deal with tree stumps for years.  Depending on how close to the ground trees are cut, there are opportunities to turn this eye sore into a novelty for your downtown.  Novelty (if you've forgotten) provides an reason for people to visit your downtown. 

EVEN SOME SMALLER DOWNTOWNS GET IT

I recently drove through a very small community (a few hundred people) and came across this in their downtown area.   Instead of just letting a vacant lot be a vacant lot, this community installed a small park complete with benches and a little library.  Nice!!       

WINDOWS FOR ART AND/OR PROMOTION

Most downtowns have windows begging to be utilized as art or for information.  In my current community (Lake Geneva, Wisconsin), the "Riviera Building" is the departure point for various boat cruises on Geneva Lake.  One of the windows at the "Riviera" (in a supply closet)  faces the boat launch where hundreds of people walk by every day.   After removing bugs, cobwebs and cleaning the glass, this window was utilized to tell visitors of upcoming events within the community.   

Minimial effort and upkeep should make this "low hanging fruit".

A GIFT FOR SOMEONE WHO VISITED

I came across this "gift" while visiting Madison, Wisconsin recently.  A random "gift" left by an artist in an elevator.   This is a world wide program that has been going on for years.  Why not encourage creative individuals (or organizations) within your community and work to create similar experiences in your downtown?   The "type" of items that can be left to be discovered are virtually limitless.  Visit this website to get some ideas on what has been done and maybe come up with new, unique ideas for your community.