A neighborhood downtown: Expanding upon the foundation set by the 2022 Downtown Strategic Plan, this study, lead by REALM, employs the plan’s design principles to a distinct neighborhood within the downtown core. It proposes innovative concepts with a dedicated focus on transforming this area into a high-quality, vibrant, and livable urban environment. The objective is to create a dynamic space that serves as a catalyst for drawing in new residents, businesses, and visitors to the downtown area.

What we did: Over a meticulously crafted six-month design and planning phase, REALM facilitated a series of workshops involving fifteen key stakeholders. Through the exploration of highly conceptual design strategies, REALM seamlessly amalgamated these ideas into a conclusive framework plan. This comprehensive plan subsequently paved the way for the advanced design and visualization of pivotal areas. The culmination of these efforts is now propelling the initiation of an initial implementation project, set to transform Gay Street into a supremely adaptable, pedestrian-centric thoroughfare—fondly envisioned as the future ‘living room of the neighborhood.’