I have just returned from trip to Raleigh NC and Greenville SC. Both cities are working hard on revitalizing their downtowns with considerable success.
Raliegh and the NC state government have invested heavily in public buildings including world class museums congregated between the old and new state Capitol buildings. A pedestrian mall that had failed like Sparks Street was reopened to traffic, which revitalized both the street and the surrounding area. What was dead is now bustling, and private investment including new towers were evident. Raleigh is sprawl central, so Ottawa has a distinct advantage but there efforts are resulting in very positive changes.
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/pho...ine_com_04.jpg
Fayettville Street, Raleigh, once a failed pedestrian mall, is still sometimes closed to vehicle traffic for major events.
Greenboro was in a worse position than Raleigh when its industrial economy was dessimated by industry moving off-shore. However, the municipal government showed considerable courage by investing in its downtown. What is unheard of was the demolition of a highway bridge downtown and replacing it with a suspension pedestrian bridge that curves across the river giving a public view of a centrally located waterfall. The river formerly overgrown and strewn with garbage was converted into public gardens, and multi-use pathways. Public art was installed. The riverside is still being improved and the pathways now extend a considerable distance. As is the case in most cities, the riverfront is a flood plain so it is reserved as parkland. The main street has been totally revitilized for several blocks with a wide variety of restaurants, other retail stores and hotels including a classy heritage hotel, now the Westin. The street was narrowed by introducing angled parking which has slowed down vehicle traffic to a speed that is welcoming to pedestrians. Much of the street was shaded by mature trees. Traffic needing faster access across the downtown area was moved to a parallel street and away from the cities best amenities. Construction was apparent everywhere and included many new low rise condominiums near the river. The results have been amazing and put our efforts on Sparks Street and Rideau Street to shame. What is also surprising is this is being accomplished with little or no public transit.
http://www.travelscbeaches.com/wp-co...e-1000x680.jpg
This bridge is less than a block away from the main street.
https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/...AMdP4HHsw.jpeg Click on link to see image.
Despite the greenery, Main Street in Greenboro is very urban.
What this is demonstrating is that other cities are having successes in revitilizing their downtowns. Perhaps, we need to examine the successes in other cities which may give us alternative ideas.
In both cases, public amenities were an important part of making downtown an attractive destination for both residents and visitors. Public art and public gardens need to be part of this. Improvement of waterways is also important but this can be about providing vistas and greenspace as much as urbanizing the corridor. If done well, both will improve any city.
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