On several occasions our firm has been retained by government entities and non-profit organizations to develop revitalization strategies for declining areas. The firm’s philosophy when undertaking these assignments is to rely on a market-based approach, not an abstract vision. In other words, we provide a candid assessment of the existing situation and a realistic, market-driven solution to achieve the desired result. These assignments always involve extensive interviews with area stakeholders to test concepts and ensure that preconceived notions about an area do not drive the planning process. To view an illustrative example, please click here.
A sample of our assignments that involved the formulation of a revitalization strategy includes:
Over a decade ago, the City of Decatur engaged a consulting team comprised of R. L. Brown & Associates and The Brookwood Group to prepare a 10-year strategic plan for the city. We were asked to contribute our real estate expertise to this process. A primary challenge was figuring out how to balance the city’s desire to maintain its small-town character in the face of mounting development pressures and the need to broaden its tax base. Today, it is obvious that those planning efforts have paid off, as Decatur has successfully transformed its downtown into a thriving town center full of restaurants, shops, and a variety of residences. Moreover, the city still exudes the small-town charm it sought to keep, but has also attracted a considerable amount of new development.
We were a sub-consultant to H.J. Russell & Company, an Atlanta developer who was hired by the City of East St. Louis to analyze potential development opportunities in the central business district. Our charge was to formulate a strategy for downtown East St. Louis to reverse the downward spiral that has existed for decades, focusing on realistic development opportunities that could provide a basis for long-term renewal. We developed a strategy that was both pragmatic and incremental in nature. More than 50 interviews with city officials, economic development groups, developers, property owners, and other interested stakeholders were conducted as part of the planning process.
City of Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson created a special task force to prepare a revitalization plan for a 23-block area of downtown, known as Fairlie-Poplar. We were hired and launched a three phase study consisting of: 1) area familiarization; 2) conceptualization and testing; and 3) plan and implementation. The goal was to formulate a strategy to reverse Fairlie-Poplar’s downward spiral and to create a foundation for positive change. Subsequently, we were retained by the Fairlie-Poplar Task Force to coordinate the implementation program.
On separate occasions we were retained by the City of Charlotte and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission to formulate revitalization plans for three declining commercial corridors. The Wilkinson Boulevard Corridor was a vital link between the airport and downtown and was plagued by departing businesses and visual blight. The Freedom Drive and West Boulevard corridors suffered from a similar set of problems. Our task was to develop revitalization strategies for the areas that were market-based and economically feasible.
