Recommendations / Downtown Development / Big Idea # 1: Placemaking

Big Idea # 1: Placemaking

Part of the "DESTINATION: GOOD LIFE" initiative

Downtown DevelopmentAlbany-Dougherty$1,000,000+

Overview

Create and sustain a Downtown Albany identity through placemaking improvements that make Downtown more visually appealing, welcoming, walkable, safe, and active. The recommendation includes streetscape improvements, parklets, district identity, public spaces, wayfinding, safety ambassador programming, National Night Out activation, downtown business gatherings, increased downtown lighting, murals, reintroduction of the turtles, a city pass, and a Blues & Brews Festival.

Action plan

Short-term
Implement parklets; define districts; hold downtown business gatherings; reintroduce the turtles.
Medium-term
Install wayfinding; launch Safety Ambassador Program; host National Night Out Downtown; increase downtown lighting; support murals; create city pass; launch Blues & Brews Festival.
Long-term
Increase downtown lighting; improve sidewalk streetscapes; activate public spaces.

Expected impact

Projected Business Activity GrowthEconomic

Tracks whether downtown business corridor activity increases as more residents and visitors come downtown and spend money.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected Downtown Sense of PlaceCommunity

Tracks whether Downtown Albany becomes understood as a unique place with a stronger look, feel, pride, and sense of belonging.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Projected Visitor Count IncreaseCommunity

Tracks the expected increase in visitors walking through Downtown Albany.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected Tourism and Cultural Hub DevelopmentEconomic

Tracks whether Downtown Albany becomes a hub for tourism, shopping, culture, recreation, government, and business.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected Public Space ImprovementCommunity

Tracks improvements to Downtown Albany’s public spaces through streetscapes, parklets, gathering places, wayfinding, lighting, murals, and public art.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected Business and Resident ExpansionEconomic

Tracks whether the placemaking campaign accelerates the expansion of businesses and residents in the Downtown corridor.

Timeframe: Long-term

Key stakeholders

Albany Convention and Visitors BureauFlint RiverQuariumAlbany State UniversityAlbany Museum of ArtDougherty County Local GovernmentAlbany Police DepartmentMillCoorsParks and Recreation DepartmentSpectra Event ManagementDowntown Business OwnersPretoria Fields MicrobreweryFlats at 249

Estimated budget

Total: $1,895,300. Sidewalks: $1,400,000; Parklet Program: $15,000; Public Spaces: $150,000; Wayfinding: $150,000; Downtown Lighting: $100,000; Murals: $10,000; City Pass: $300; Blues & Brews Festival: $70,000.