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BETTER BLOCK RAPID URBAN REVITALIZATION PROJECTS

BETTER BLOCK RAPID URBAN REVITALIZATION PROJECTS. WHAT IS A BETTER BLOCK?. A living charrette where communities can actively engage in the “complete streets” build out process to show the potential for revitalized economic activity in an area. . WHAT IS A BETTER BLOCK?. after. before.

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BETTER BLOCK RAPID URBAN REVITALIZATION PROJECTS

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  1. BETTER BLOCK RAPID URBAN REVITALIZATION PROJECTS

  2. WHAT IS A BETTER BLOCK? A living charrette where communities can actively engage in the “complete streets” build out process to show the potential for revitalized economic activity in an area.

  3. WHAT IS A BETTER BLOCK? after before SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS San Antonio’s first Better Block Project, held in coordination with the City of San Antonio’s Complete Streets Initiative and Metro Health’s SiClovia, transformed a vacant building, overly wide streets, and empty park into a thriving, active neighborhood destination.

  4. WHAT IS A BETTER BLOCK? after before FORT WORTH, TEXAS Over time, formerly pedestrian-oriented South Main was widened into a huge, barren four-lane road with fast traffic and very little people space.  Better Block reoriented the street and demonstrated to other urban areas of the city how to make a “complete street.”

  5. WHAT IS A BETTER BLOCK? after before after FORT WORTH, TEXAS With a budget of under $500 to perform the guerilla complete streets makeover, bike lanes, cafe seating, landscaping, and pedestrian crossings were installed to spotlight the potential of an existing block that was built with little accommodations for people.

  6. WHAT IS A BETTER BLOCK? after before FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA A bleak warehouse-lined block in the FAT Arts District of downtown Fort Lauderdale was transformed into a walkable destination during Build A Better Block.Theup and coming artist community, normally lined with barbed wire and industrial warehouses, was converted into a lively community hub complete with art, music, and vendors.

  7. WHY BETTER BLOCK? • PRODUCES CONCRETE RESULTS instead of showing an abstract sketch • MAKES CITY/STATE STAFF/LEADERS’ JOBS EASIER with thetemporary testing of ideas • CREATES OWNERSHIP (and champions) in residents and business owners • SHOWS DOCUMENTATIONthat disarms naysayers • PROMOTES INNOVATION by testing the most innovative best practices on the ground • PUSHES BOUNDARIES without the financial commitment

  8. AN EXPANDING MOVEMENT Gulf Coast Better Block Projects USA Better Block Projects

  9. BETTER BLOCK OUTCOMES DALLAS, TEXAS The city dedicated $1 million to improve bicycle infrastructure, create a pedestrian plaza and incorporate traffic calming elements. The second Better Block resulted in a $500,000 investment from the city. FORT WORTH, TEXAS The city installed permanent bike lanes. Now called South Main Urban Village, this stretch of road is home to many new businesses. MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE Business in the area tripled, restaurants extended their hours to keep up with new demand, and real estate in the area has noticeably increased. People are returning more regularly and a museum is looking to relocate to the area. KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI A pop-up retail shop opened as a permanent retail establishment in downtown Kansas City.

  10. HOW TO BUILD A BETTER BLOCK 1. Pick your spot 2. Assemble a team 3. Work with local resources 4. Connect with something larger 5. Use empty storefronts 6. Give people a reason to stay 7. Pop up! 8. Invite artists 9. Obtain a permit 10. Invite local VIP’s

  11. BETTER BLOCK BATON ROUGE

  12. BETTER BLOCK BATON ROUGE • GOALS: • To find a unified vision among Baton Rouge’s stakeholders and potential investors for Government Street • To demonstrate the impact of an innovative traffic solution and improved public and retail spaces on economic and community development • PARTNERS: POTENTIAL PARTNERS: All public and private schools, local neighborhood associations, area residents, businesses, artists… and YOU!

  13. BETTER BLOCK BATON ROUGE Proposed Project Extents

  14. BETTER BLOCK BATON ROUGE Existing Site Conditions

  15. BETTER BLOCK BATON ROUGE Site Improvement Plan

  16. BETTER BLOCK BATON ROUGE 4 3 2 1 8 3 6 1 4 5 7 2 8 5 6 7 1 Proposed Infrastructure Improvements

  17. BETTER BLOCK BATON ROUGE 2 3 4 1 1 1 1 1 3 2 4 5 6 7 8 6 8 5 7 Proposed Human Element Improvements

  18. BETTER BLOCK BATON ROUGE Process

  19. MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Better Block Baton Rouge – March/April2013 STAY UPDATED Follow Better Block Baton Rouge online for updates and a calendar of volunteer events leading up to the launch! CONTACT Camille Manning-Broome camille@cpex.org Tara Titone ttitone@cpex.org

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