Role: Open Streets Consultant
Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District
It is wonderful to see the many ways in which Open Streets inspires people to make public space their own. Community members are encouraged to #embraceyouravenue and make lasting memories. From impromptu photo shoots (above) to pop-up lemonade stands, play dates, baby showers and even a wedding ceremony, inspiration could be seen on every block.
Coming out of the pandemic, the Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District wanted to support its 200+ businesses by bringing foot traffic back to the district while creating a singular community experience for residents of, and visitors to, New York City’s Upper West Side.
As Open Streets Consultant I was hired to create and launch the program by managing all program aspects, from collaborating with city agencies like NYC DOT and the local Community Board, to engaging community stakeholders, building a marketing and communications plan, sourcing materials like barricades and games, creating a robust programming calendar with mission-based organizations such as Drag Story Hour, Art on the Avenue and Street Lab, hiring and training staff, and creating an analytics plan to measure success.
From program inception to launch, I was able to kick-off the first Open Streets season for the BID within two months time! I am proud to say that Open Streets landed on Time Out New York’s Top 10 Open Streets list and the program has recently entered its 3rd season.
Columbus Avenue Open Streets turns nine city blocks, every Sunday for three months over to businesses on the avenue, residents, and visitors to the area. In its first season, the program saw 30k+ visitors and received a 93% program approval rating from community feedback surveys. Placer.ai data showed a 45% foot traffic increase in the second season.
Businesses were encouraged to expand outside of their storefronts by bringing dining, retail, and services out onto the avenue. Restaurants, like Manny's Bistro (above) went all in by setting up extra tables and chairs and having a jazz band during brunch. Many Sunday's found actor Tony Danza at Manny's, crooning away to patrons and passerby's. It's not everyday, or every Open Streets, where you can experience that!
An easy and impactful way to activate Open Streets is through passive programming like setting up tables and chairs that people can move into whatever area or shape they desire. We were fortunate to get these bistro sets on loan from NYC DOT and put them to good use up and down the avenue. Passive activations can be a light lift, while providing ample opportunities for relaxation and respite.
Another example of big bang for a buck, chalk continues to be one the most popular elements of Open Streets. Loved by adults and children alike, survey feedback often mentioned how much people enjoyed the buckets of chalk that were placed at various blocks along the avenue.
Partnering with mission-based organizations helps bring a meaningful sense to place. Working with organizations like Drag Story Hour and Art on the Avenue, that champion diversity, inclusion, and local artists helps Open Streets program with purpose. Street Lab (above) hosts public space activations, like this pop up obstacle course for kids, that "improve the urban environment, strengthen neighborhoods, and bring New Yorkers together."
Music can be a key element to activating a space because, well, who doesn't like music? From DJ's spinning to live bands playing, Open Streets always incorporates music in some form or style. New Orleans Renaissance, pictured here, performed a spirited set, engaging everyone one as they walked up and down the avenue.
Working with Columbus Avenue's Executive Director and a graphic artist, I helped oversee all program graphics that were used on marketing materials from barricade banners (above) to posters, postcards, stickers, and mailers that helped promote the program. To keep consistency season over season, the only graphic component that changes are the colors ways. This freshens the programs look each year, while imparting a familiar aesthetic recognizable across all print and online graphics.
The Columbus Avenue BID runs from 67th Street to 82nd street along Columbus Avenue.
Open Streets runs on Columbus Avenue, from 68th Street to 77th street.