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.

VANDALISM OR LOCAL ATTRACTION?

Not everyone will agree, but this type of local oddity can be a memory maker for  your downtown visitors.   A non-descript pole used by visitors to "make their mark".  No meaningful harm or foul, the business owner can certainly paint it over if he/she wishes.  It is just one more way that visitors can create a "memory" for their visit.

DOESN'T HAVE TO BE ELABORATE; IT HAS TO BE FUN

Some communities have an aversion to painting on the side of their buildings or in alleys.  Madison, Wisconsin doesn't seem to be one of those communities.  Less than a block away from the state capital, Madison put up this "photo op" for visitors to stand in front of and make a memory.   It's fun, it's basic and it is the kind of simple and inexpensive thing that communities should consider doing.  

WHAT'S WRONG WITH A SUPERSIZED GAME DOWNTOWN?

HOW MANY DOWNTOWNS DO YOU KNOW THAT HAVE AN ILLUMINATED SEESAW?

A downtown with an available park and vacant lot nearby may want to consider adding this as an attraction (temporarily or permanently) to bring people in.  While this example is from a large community, the concept remains the same; offer unusual experiences that will bring people to your downtown.

SIDEWALK MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES DON'T HAVE TO INCLUDE A PIANO

So, so many communities have placed pianos in their downtown for the public to make use of.  While popular, your community may want to break from the crowd by selecting another (or several other) options.  This community installed guitars which isn't something I have seen too often.  

CLEVER DOESN'T HAVE TO BE EXPENSIVE

If your downtown has an empty spot where a tree or light post use to stand or some other small piece of vacant landscape; something like this could be fun.   Not every undertaking has to be earth shattering.  The goal is to generate some "buzz".  Get the talk started and potential businesses will be more likely to look at your downtown.  As I've said several times before, make the local media aware of these little curiosities.  They may be more interested than you might think.

Grown Up Recreation Opportunity

While surfing the web recently I cam across this image.  I've not seen this before, but seems like (under the right circumstances) a very unusual attraction for a downtown.  Obviously your city's insurance company might have something to say about this.   The point of this post is to emphasize the need for cities to continually be on the look out for creative ideas to liven the downtown.  There is nothing wrong with copying other communities on occasion, but there is also nothing wrong with taking an existing idea and take it into another direction:   Again; this won't be for everyone, but under the right circumstances...

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES IN YOUR DOWNTON

Located in a busy downtown tourist community, this "billboard" was painted over in hopes of blending in with the building.    Certainly a wasted opportunity to add interest to a street that has literally thousands of pedestrians (and cars) passing by every day.     It doesn't necessarily have to be used to advertise a product.  The local business association could use it to put up a retro poster depicting the city's past,  maybe have someone like Coca Cola install a retro advertisement, promote an upcoming event... the possibilities are endless.   Just don't leave it hanging there doing nothing.

WHO SAYS YOUR PARKING STALLS CAN'T BE WORKS OF ART?!?

This is something I haven't seen very often, but it is interesting.  Lots of potential.  While it may momentarily confuse people pulling in to park; they will get over it.   The only word of caution is to be sure and use environmentally friendly paint.  Possibly turn this in to an annual artist competition with prizes from local businesses.

New Store Opening Soon...don't do this...do that!

Two businesses opening soon and located just a block away from each other.  Which one will probably generate more interest and more "buzz" around town?  Businesses should be promoting themselves even before they open.  

CHOICES, CHOICE....

(City names removed to protect their feelings).   This sign is on an interstate with thirty to forty thousand vehicles driving by on any given day.  With only moments for a traveler to decide which (if either city) to pull off and visit; words matter.  Don't blow an opportunity.  I know that (at least) one of these communities has an awesome downtown with local retailers, a great variety of restaurants, bars, etc.   Obviously that won't all fit on a sign, but don't handicap your chance to promote your community by going with the default "historic downtown".

BETTER THAN DEMOLISHING THE ENTIRE BUILDING

Kudos to those communities that do not automatically demolish an entire building; only to create a vacant lot.  In this particular case, Elkhorn, Wisconsin saved the front of an epic looking bank building and turned the lot into a min-park.   An impressive "look" from the street while providing a passive, park use for residents and visitors alike. More impressive in the summer months, I'm sure (after all these pictures are from March...in Wisconsin).   Also a potentional performance venue.  Certainly something more communities should consider:    

NO!  JUST NO!

Saw this just driving around my community.  I've already covered this topic in a previous post.

IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE COMPLICATED TO BE INTERESTING

Cut out images over a variety of surface textures in your downtown.  Silhouettes of animals, cars, trains, people...whatever.  Why?  Why not.  Not everything done to spice up your downtown has to have deeper meaning, unless you want to incorporate this into a downtown treasure hunt or other type of short term competition.   The "why" is up to you.

SEATING IN YOUR DOWNTOWN DISTRICT; IT DOESN'T ALWAYS HAVE TO BE A HUNTER GREEN BENCH (Part 2):