A New Four-point Strategy for Downtown Renewal

While the Main Street Four-Point Approach has become the mantra for cities and towns seeking to revitalize their downtowns it may be time for four new points.
By: Sharon F. Benigson, DowntownDevelopment.com
 
Nov. 1, 2010 - PRLog -- Writing in the November issue of "Downtown Idea Exchange" newsletter, Michael A. Burayidi, chair of the Department of Urban Planning at Ball State University notes that, "The Main Street Four-Point Approach has become the mantra for cities and towns seeking to revitalize their downtowns. For many downtowns, these four strategies represent a fait accompli of their redevelopment efforts.

"Organization, promotion, design, and economic restructuring are all necessary, but not sufficient for ensuring the health of downtowns. This is particularly the case for small-city downtowns."

Dr. Burayidi continues, "My research shows that communities with resilient downtowns incorporated the following four strategies in their downtown revitalization efforts:

* They have capitalized on the retirement preferences of Baby Boomers that favor downtown living;

* They have enacted programs to attract recent immigrants to their downtowns;

* They have linked their historic preservation efforts to the promotion of heritage tourism; and

* They have retained and expanded civic and cultural buildings in their downtown."

To read Dr. Burayidi's entire article, visit us online at http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com and click on Perspectives Articles.

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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
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Source:Sharon F. Benigson, DowntownDevelopment.com
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Tags:Downtown Revitalization, Downtown Development, Shop Local, Main Street, Small Town, Local Economy, Business District
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