Commerical District Design: COVID-19 Response and Management

From big cities to rural towns, communities around the world are temporarily opening streets to people by closing them to trucks and cars. Open streets programs are becoming even more prevalent and popular in recent months during the COVID-19 crisis as local leaders strategize on how to reopen economies safely. They provide the increased physical space needed to maintain social distancing while also ensuring that businesses are able to increase the amount of sales they need to stay afloat.

Brief #1 explores the benefits of open streets programs, outlines a set of priorities local leaders should consider when implementing these initiatives, and provides examples of open streets projects in two Main Street communities.

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In light of COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, local leaders across the country are increasingly looking to parklet and pedlet programs as an easy, quick, and relatively inexpensive design solution to create more physical space for businesses in commercial districts. Essentially sidewalk extensions, parklets and pedlets repurpose one or more parking spaces or lanes and offer space for myriad uses, including additional seating, greenspace, public art, curbside pickup, or walking space. 

Brief #2 explores the history and benefits of parklets and pedlets, outlines a series of priorities local leaders should consider when installing these infrastructure elements, and provides examples from cities large and small demonstrating  just how important these space-creation strategies can be as part of COVID-19 management efforts.

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The quality of infrastructure and amenities is not only important to a district’s basic functioning, but also has a direct impact on whether it is a great place. In recent years, entrepreneurs and employers alike are increasingly prioritizing place in their decisions on where to locate. Though Main Street commercial districts generally offer many of the qualities and amenities that attract small businesses, there are infrastructure elements that can dramatically increase their performance from an economic, health, and community perspective.

Brief #3 focuses on three small-scale infrastructure elements that bolster the creation of great places, particularly in this time of COVID-19 response and management: digital enhancement (e.g. wifi and broadband), sanitation stations (e.g. handwashing and hand sanitizer stations), and moveable furniture (e.g. tables and chairs).

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The inherent drive toward innovation and adaptation found among many Main Street commercial district leaders and business owners serves communities well—and is important now more than ever as communities respond to and manage the widespread impacts of COVID-19. Continued innovation will be crucial to ensure that small businesses survive, burgeoning entrepreneurs thrive, and workers, customers, and visitors remain safe and healthy.

Brief #4 explores creative approaches to small business and commercial district recovery, focusing specifically on e-commerce and adaptive use of spaces. We also provide a brief case study on how one Main Street community is helping their small businesses respond and recover as a source of inspiration and guidance.

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Studies have shown that outdoor recreation in trails and parks offers positive economic, health, and quality of life benefits. As people increasingly use trails and parks for socially-distanced recreation, local leaders have a unique opportunity to help funnel new economic benefits into their local commercial districts. This can either mean promoting new businesses or amenities that directly support people using trails and parks, or helping existing businesses offer new services or products that are targeted towards an influx of new customers.

Brief #5 focuses on the connections between trails, parks, and the local economy, and explores how local leaders can maximize the benefits of these connections in their COVID-19 response and management.

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