Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Pedestrian Plazas, Malls And The Economy

By Matthew Long


When it comes to green and walking space, these are often limited in many inner-city areas. However, there is new interest in installing these areas in a number of large cities and small towns. Pedestrian plazas and malls often feature areas closed off from street traffic. In some cases, the areas are created to aid pedestrians. In others, the concept is to also revitalize the economy.

While most of these spaces are located in downtown areas, there is a new push to put these green spaces within roundabouts and intersections. In most cases, these areas also work to revitalize neighborhoods as well strengthen or re-establish economic vitality. Whatever the reason, drivers and pedestrians often benefit from these pedestrian oriented spaces.

The cost and creation of these areas are often a collaboration among multiple parties. In most cases, the responsibility would fall on city officials and local non-profits willing to share the cost. In others, there may be assistance from local, state and federal governments depending on the size and scope of the operation. Costs can often vary as some cities may wish to include installing fountains, landscaping and statues. Whereas, others merely close off street traffic without creating new elements.

Pedestrian malls are often much larger than plazas. In most cases, these encompass three to four blocks with different type storefronts which have been closed off to street traffic. As such, deliveries, musicians and others must often use side streets in order to access these areas.

The idea first came about in the 1960s and 1970s, at which time a number of cities began installing these open air shopping centers. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the new shopping mall craze started and these areas started losing business, with many becoming defunct over time. The take over of mom and pop shops in the early to mid-1990s did not help in what many had hoped to be a period of revitalization.

These downtown malls were often made up of three to four linear blocks, all of which were blocked off to motorized vehicles. In most cases, there will be a variety of different type shops. In tourist prone areas, there are usually also coffee shops, restaurants and art galleries. In some cases, there may be a center plaza which hosts local events and entertainment.

Between the revitalization and events like Art walks, these areas have become popular once again. In some cases, like San Francisco, there are defunct areas in front of parking meters, or restaurants where small green spaces are being created on a regular basis. San Francisco and other cities also host special events in which the streets are closed to set up these spaces on a temporary basis once or twice a year. These events generally host a variety of artists' works at different businesses including art galleries, stores, bars and restaurants.

In smaller cities like Eureka, California, there are several pedestrian malls which feature boardwalks, walkways and one area with a cement bench and a gazebo. Whereas, others are located along the waterfront with restaurants, ice cream parlors and shops. One of the primary features of the area is a touring vessel which hosts cocktail, moonlight and other tours of Humboldt Bay. In most all cases, these areas play host to a variety of events including farmers' markets, festivals and live music on an ongoing basis.




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