« February 13, 2005 - February 19, 2005 | Main | February 27, 2005 - March 5, 2005 »
February 25, 2005
When does creativity really happen in cities?
The Renaissance in Florence. Silicon Valley. Japan post WWII. New York City at the turn of the century. Paris and Impressionism. Some rather extreme bursts of creativity over about 40 years at a time. Coincidence? Historian Peter Hall doesn't think so, and outlines the common elements in his stellar book, Cities In Civilization.
1. Disorder. As Chris Gibbons, who pioneered economic gardening puts it, economic growth happens at the edge of chaos.
2. Clustering. Popularized by business guru Michael Porter, clustering is the focus of a certain industry in one locale, such as the movie industry in Hollywood, or ad agencies in Manhattan.
3. Fanatical government leadership. Each of the aforementioned examples of creativity could not happen without major financial backing and promotion by a major government body. Author Jim Kunstler has similar conclusions in his book, City In Mind.
4. A local creative class network. One person does not make a movement. It takes a village, a guild, a group of people with a common vision to build a community of commerce.
5. $$$. There's really no getting around this. Think OPM. A community just has to be more creative in obtaining it - lots of it.
What creative bursts are you aware of? Comment below...
Posted by Neil | Link to Article
February 24, 2005
Who will make downtowns succeed?
Successful downtowns require a successful retail district. Today, that retail district must be developed as a retail entertainment district to survive and thrive. So, who should that district focus on?
Again, we quote our star of the week, retail entertainment expert Michael Beyard, "The ability to reach market segments that are easily overlooked - including women, members of generations X and Y, and even baby boomers, who are getting older but not “aging” - will determine whether contemporary retail entertainment developments succeed or fail in the coming years."
Sound familiar? Economically vibrant downtowns will listen closely to this market, while others will continue to treat them as background images - and be perceived just the same.
Are cities/developers accommodating you in your downtown? Comment below...
Posted by Neil | Link to Article
February 23, 2005
The merging of entertainment and retail
The conflicts: Museums and performing arts centers are struggling amid public budget cuts and a rather stuffy image. Meanwhile, downtown retail districts are having difficulties maintaining its local culture as well as attracting large crowds (as the old theaters once did).
The opportunity:In the words of retail entertainment expert Michael Beyard, "Retail entertainment offers these institutions an opportunity to broaden their markets and compete more effectively for consumers’ time and attention in a crowded marketplace. In turn, cultural and educational institutions act as key anchors for retail entertainment destinations, providing the unique local character, cultural context, and educational aspects essential for long-term project success... the Gala Hispanic Theatre (image above) moved into the restored Tivoli Theatre in Tivoli Square, a small mixed-use retail development in Washington, D.C.’s rapidly revitalizing Columbia Heights neighborhood.
For those who need to learn about retail entertainment districts in more detail, check out his book, Developing Retail Entertainment Destinations.
Know of any such examples in your town? Comment below...
Posted by Neil | Link to Article
February 22, 2005
The merging of entertainment and retail
Main streets are no longer the department-store-oriented retail districts they used to be. Now they must be entertainment retail districts to survive and thrive, which is consistent with our shift to an experience economy. Here are the new retail categories as the industry resource Urban Land Institute sees them.
Fun and leisure - interactive sports, sports bar, coffee bar, outdoor cafe, billiards/bowling/games;
Nesting - home entertainment, furnishings, and electronics;
Health and beauty - day spa, health club, cosmetics;
Education - bookstore/cafe, library branch, university extension;
Personal image - specialty clothing and accessories;
Indulgences - pastries, ice cream, candy;
Personal finance - investment adviser, stock broker, banking services.
Have you noticed this trend in your downtown? Comment below...
Posted by Neil | Link to Article
