What is Smart Growth for Downtown Areas?
Smart growth means reinvesting in America’s downtowns. Start with a full service grocery, add multiple food options, spice it with artisan and craft retailers, then build in large community gathering spots while adding high density residential units where existing infrastructure exists. These are the principal goals of Downtown Gather & Grow.
The Concept
Mixed use developments are common but our concept is unique in that the retail and the community spaces are the core of what we create. Downtown Gather & Grow creates community by blending physical spaces with community programs. The core elements of Downtown Gather & Grow are a full-service grocery store, community gathering space including a start up kitchen, food hall, local products, coffeehouse, and a brew pub. The community gathering space will be available for charitable, municipal, or special event uses to enrich the citizen’s lives. These social spaces are surrounded by first-class apartments and live/work residences.
The Downtown Gather & Grow concept has a structure that is shaped by the needs of the specific community. The social needs of a community are answered by interaction, entertainment, and the opportunity to grow as people. By creating third places: indoor halls connecting with outdoor garden plazas; markets, with local goods, artisan crafts, and services; and comfortable seating for food and discussion. A place to share community: experience art, to listen to new ideas, and make new connections. By blending these elements, we create an active area morning, noon, and night. This is Downtown Gather & Grow.
Built for the Future.
Successful economic development is about creating walkable and connected places where people can build community. Downtown revitalization is more than making physical improvements; it’s about bringing people together. Vibrant downtowns, main streets, and city centers give people reasons to return again and again. Downtown Gather & Grow provides the live, work, and play model that will rejuvenate and help downtowns thrive.
Smart Growth for the 21st Century.
Learn more about Smart Growth at https://smartgrowthamerica.org/
Smart growth means reinvesting in America’s downtowns and main streets, the economic engines of big cities and rural towns alike. Smart growth means creating homes for families of all income levels alongside one another in locations where daily needs are close by. Smart growth means diversifying our transportation system so Americans have a choice in how they get around. Smart growth means building streets that are safe for people walking, bicycling or using any sort of assistive device, as well as driving. Smart growth means protecting our open green spaces for generations to come. Smart growth looks different from place to place—it’s an overall approach to development that encourages a mix of building types and uses, diverse housing and transportation options, development within existing neighborhoods, and robust community engagement. Above all, it’s about helping every town and city become a more economically prosperous, socially equitable, and environmentally sustainable place to live, helping everyone flourish.
Our Team.
Our team members have proven experience in all facets of development from concept to sustainable completion. Our team has been fortunate to work with some of the best architects, engineers, and design professionals to create unique experiences. The Downtown Gather & Grow goal is to find underutilized properties and redevelop them to be community gathering places and gateways for the community. We look forward to the opportunity to work as a partner on municipal projects, to bring needed amenities to downtown areas, and achieve long term sustainable success.
For More Information.
Contact Rick Lewellyan
Downtown Gather & Grow 