Placemaking

According to Fred Kent, Director of Project for Public Spaces, a "place" is created when sociability, multiple activities and use intersect with comfort, image and access. While these are key attributes, various intangibles such as charm, proximity, diversity and amusements also exert an important influence.

Much of the work of the Downtown Improvement District is directed at providing a safe, clean, pleasant and welcoming environment. Flower planters and matching iron trash cans, along with tree illumination help define the DID. Capitalizing on the strength of the Downtown's NEON District, the DID is working to create a "place within a place,” creating a destination defined by both a feeling and a look. Thanks to a partnership between Downtown Norfolk Council, the City of Norfolk, and WPA, bright, colorful, & inviting street furniture now lives on the south end of Granby Street and at the intersection of Bank Street & E. Main Street. This initiative as well as our our roomy parklets, which create a tiny pop of a park in unused parking sports, invites Downtowners to have a meeting outside, enjoy their lunch with some fresh air, or just sit and stay a while.