MICHIGAN MAIN STREET
WINTER STRATEGIES AND IDEAS
DESIGN
Winter cities guidelines and best design practices found in the Appendix of the MEDC Winter Strategies Guide identify ways to better adapt communities for the winter season. Many, including those found below, can also be applied specifically to a downtown or neighborhood commercial district.
PUBLIC SPACES
A. Go hyper-clean!
- Work with local government to plan and clearly define responsibilities for district maintenance and cleanliness, being mindful of special measures that may be required.
- Work to publicize and clearly illustrate special efforts being taken with the public’s health, safety and comfort in mind.
- Consider and discuss the possible need for dedicated or additional staff assigned to district maintenance and cleanliness.
BUSINESS SPACES
A. Install additional temporary and permanent amenities
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Assess needs related to additional amenities to enhance health, safety and cleanliness and coordinate with the municipality on the installation.
B. Rethink access and amenities
- Consider possibilities and the potential benefits of alleyway and parking lot reconfigurations to accommodate backdoor and window pickups, drive-thru pickups, alternate pedestrian passageways, public seating areas, etc.
- This may be an important consideration for maintaining or offering alternatives for curbside pickup services that have become popular during the pandemic crisis.
C. Install public hand-washing stations
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The installation of publicly-accessible hand-washing or sanitization stations in sidewalk areas, pocket parks or other highly visible spaces could go far in promoting good hygiene and enhancing visitors’ comfort level.
- Portable hand-washing stations are typically available from the same vendors who supply porta-potties for events.
- In some cases, It might even be possible to retrofit public drinking fountains already installed, or even to attach custom-fabricated hand-washing stations to existing fire hydrants.
D. Increase signage
- Assess and act on the possible need for additional signage to direct visitors to parking areas and pedestrian passages, especially if parking is removed from streets to accommodate a comfortable pedestrian flow, outdoor seating areas, etc.
- Use signage to provide safety information to customers and visitors.
WINTER STRATEGIES GUIDE
MEDC Winter Strategies Guide [.pdf]
The MEDC’s Winter Strategies Guide provides ideas to make the most of winter’s opportunities and to create a culture shift so that your community is considered one of best places to live, work and play in winter and year–round.
WINTER STRATEGIES FOR DISTRICTS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Organization
Design
Economic Vitality
Promotion
There’s a vibrancy to our downtown that is palpable. There’s a connection between people and place that’s undeniable. People from all over are working together to make it happen. It’s exciting to witness.
Jade Smith
Chair, Milan Main Street Board of Directors
Milan, Michigan
STRATEGIES AND IDEAS FOR BUSINESSES
STRATEGIES AND IDEAS FOR COMMUNITY LEADERS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Michigan Main Street is a lead member of the growing Reopen Main Street community.
We've joined forces to help small businesses, community leaders and organizations advance COVID-19 recovery efforts and journey with confidence into a New Reality.
Get in Touch
Michigan Main Street
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
300 N. Washington Sq.
Lansing, Michigan 48913 USA
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