Akron Better Block

2 01 5 TE M PL E SQ UARE FIN AL R EP ORT
AKRON
BETTER
BLOCK
Copyright 2015
Team Better Block
www.teambetterblock.com
For a list of any errors or omissions found subsequent to
printing please see the website.
All rights are reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in
a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or
otherwise, without prior permission of Team Better Block.
AKRON
BETTER
BLOCK
In the spring of 2015, Team Better Block partnered with
The Knight Foundation and over a dozen community
leaders and organizations for the inaugural Akron Better
Block. The project built on North Hills unique identity to
enliven the neighborhood and acted as a training session
for residents to learn Better Blocks rapid revitalization
techniques. This report is a review of the Better Block
project as well as a guide for community members
looking to put on similar projects in their towns.
Acknowledgements
Akron, Ohios first Better Block project would not have been possible
without plenty of help from the community. With funding from the
Knight Foundation and leadership from local advocates Tina and John
Ughrin, an army of volunteers and sponsors were gathered to create an
economically viable, pedestrian-friendly block in North Hill.
Special thanks to:
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Tina & John Ughrin, Smile Minded Smartworks
AMATS
International Institute
ECDI
Keep Akron Beautiful
Countryside Conservancy
427 Design
Akron-Summit Public Library
Highland Square Neighborhood Association
The Office Bistro
Peoples Bank
AKRON BETTER BLOCK | 2
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Introduction..................................................................................................................................................................................
p. 4-5
The Backstory...............................................................................................................................................................................
p. 6-11
Why Better Block?.......................................................................................................................................................................
p. 12-13
The Project....................................................................................................................................................................................
p. 14-17
Community Buildout..................................................................................................................................................................
p. 18-19
Final Concept Plan......................................................................................................................................................................
p. 20-21
The Final Product.......................................................................................................................................................................
p. 22-23
Green Bike Lanes..........................................................................................................................................................
p. 24-41
The Pop-Up Shops.......................................................................................................................................................
p. 42-53
The East Plaza...............................................................................................................................................................
p. 54-69
The West Plaza..............................................................................................................................................................
p. 70-81
Activity Square.............................................................................................................................................................
p. 82-93
The Beer Garden...........................................................................................................................................................
p. 94-107
A Recipe for Success..................................................................................................................................................................
p. 108-117
The Results...................................................................................................................................................................................
p. 118-119
Going Forward.............................................................................................................................................................................
p. 120-121
Introduction
The Better Block process takes a bottom-up approach to planning, allowing the community direct involvement with rapid
build-out and construction of revitalization projects. The Better Block replaces the traditional public meeting with a living
charrette that is built by the community to represent the future condition of a place. Instead of consultant-generated
renderings, the community builds installations of public spaces and retrofitted streets. Worst-case scenario assumptions of
development scenarios are replaced with pop-up shops crafted by budding entrepreneurs. Additionally, long-term planning
is aided by the Better Block process, as public space improvements, street modifications and zoning changes are tested and
proven before put in place.
Akron, Ohios irst Better Block project was completed the weekend of May 15th-17th, 2015, and showed how the community
could come together to transform a blighted block into a vibrant neighborhood destination. By introducing buffered bike lanes,
enhancing pedestrian infrastructure, creating two public plazas and a series of pop-up businesses, Better Block proved that a
street that once existed only for cars could be scaled down to make way for bikes, people, and festivities.
N Main Street, before the Better Block project
The Backstory
Supported by the Knight Foundation and initiated by neighborhood leaders Tina and John Ughrin, Better Block was
called in to Akron, OH to address three major issues on N Main Street: a wide roadway, vacant storefronts, and
dead space between buildings (or gaps in the street) that discourage multi-modal activity.
THE STREE TS
Wide streets ward off cyclists and pedestrians and
welcome high-speed traffic into residential and
commercial corridors.
N Main Street was once a part of an old trolley line.
Where the trolley served to pinch the street, slow
down traffic, and move pedestrians through the
neighborhood, it has now been paved over to allow for
expanded lanes and narrowed sidewalks.
The space previously occupied by the trolley line has
now been designated for cars, increasing motor vehicle
traffic speeds and averting pedestrian and bicycle flow.
This shift made the intersection at the corner of
N Main Street and E Cuyahoga Falls Ave. extremely
Image source: Vintage Main Street, Akron

postcard, Google Images
wide and difficult to maneuver. Allowing cars to move

quickly through the neighborhood seemed to be the
only priority when the street was designed, leaving
pedestrians and bikes to fend for themselves.
To create a pedestrian-friendly district, crews would
need to narrow traffic lanes and replace it with public
space.
THE BUILDINGS
Many buildings in North Hill have suffered from lack
of investment and decreased community interest,
leaving them vacant and in disrepair.
Vacant buildings increase opportunities for
break-ins, vagrancy, and other property crimes.
Coupled with a minimal amount of pedestrian
traffic, the area left visitors feeling exposed and
vulnerable.
Of the 92 area residents surveyed by Smile Minded
Smartworks, LLC prior to the Better Block project,
safety was the number one issue holding them
back from visiting the block, and vacancies were
the fourth concern.
As one community member said, This is not a block
Id feel particularly comfortable at at night. The
lighting is poor, or at least not inviting.
However, Smile Minded Smartworks found that the
North Hill area does not have higher crime statistics
than other, supposedly safer neighborhoods
in Akron. Its reputation, whether founded or
unfounded, inhibited pedestrian activity and
needed to be altered in order to revitalize the
street.
THE OUTDOOR LIFE

While the street is home to a number of charming
historic buildings, many are vacant, neglected, and
are beginning to be torn down. The razed buildings
leave behind unkempt empty lots that discourage
pedestrian activity and make it difficult for small
businesses in the area to prosper.
In addition, lack of outdoor seating for the
avenues cafes and restaurants gave the
impression of emptiness on the street. Without
seeing pedestrians and patrons on the sidewalk,
visitors to the street are likely to bypass these
businesses and frequent more lively areas.
Currently, the block is too accommodating
toward car parking. Two of the major byproducts
of a successful block are difficult parking and
traffic congestion; on N Main Street, there is an
abundance of parking and traffic flows freely. If
cities and neighborhoods first focus their energy
on creating a great place, people will find a way to
get there and a way to park, instead of vice versa.
North Hill Neighborhood, Akron
Why Better Block?

Akron Better Block took place in the North Hill neighborhood on N Main Street, a wide, intimidating four-lane thoroughfare that
was created to quickly move cars from Downtown to the suburbs. The expansion of Main Street was a solution too often used
in cities around the U.S. to relieve congestion by increasing vehicle capacity on roads.. Instead, the added lanes left the road
under-trafficked, allowing cars to blitz through the neighborhood at high speeds.
Jason Roberts painting a crosswalk in Dallas, TX
As a result, businesses have suffered and pedestrians fear being on foot. With support from the Knight Foundation and with
the help of a dedicated group of Akron community leaders, Better Block worked to reduce the scale of the street to allow for
human activity, and encouraged local entrepreneurs to test out their business ideas in the vacant storefronts for the weekend.
The Akron Better Block team illed the gaps made by parking lots and demolished buildings by creating pedestrian plazas and
ields for sports, yoga, and ping pong. For one weekend at least, N Main Street realized its potential as a thriving, economically
viable block.
The Project
After months of planning, the Akron team hit the ground running to transform the block in under a week. Through
community partnerships with Tina and John Ughrin, International Institute, Keep Akron Beautiful, Akron Metropolitan
Area Transportation Study, Countryside Conservancy, 427 Design, ECDI, and countless others, we introduced five major
improvements to the block: buffered bike lanes, two pedestrian plazas, an activity field, an open air market, and six
pop-up businesses.
KICKOFF MEETING
The project kickoff occurred in the winter of 2014 after a location scout document was created by the AMATS team
based on parameters set by Team Better Blocks public and private space survey form. Ten potential blocks were
chosen based on their layout, proximity to engaged neighborhoods, roadway adaptability and property owner access.
The initial survey team toured each location grading them on highest possible success for a future Better Block. After
analyzing the sites, Team Better Block honed in on the North Hill neighborhood and the Temple Square block, a former
streetcar stop that had a small cluster of historic buildings, and an influx of immigrants and local residents who would
be instrumental in collaborating efforts for a final project.
What issues do you see that are holding the block back from its greatest potential?
RESPONSES
SAFETY / CRIME (INCLUDES JUVENILES ROAMING IN GROUPS / HOMELESS/DRUG USERS
26
LACK OF REASONS TO GO (ONLY ONE RESTAURANT, FEW SHOPS, NO EVENTS...)
20
LACK OF BIKEABILITY, WALKABILITY, AND STABILITY
16
VACANCIES/ABANDONED SPACES
14
LACK OF PARKING
13
LACK OF BEAUTY (UGLY FACADES, BILLBOARDS, ETC.)
12
HIGH TRAFFIC/WIDE STREET
10
LACK OF COMMUNITY COHESIVENESS BETWEEN DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES
INCOME LEVEL OF RESIDENTS
LIMITED INVESTMENT AND LOW-END BUSINESSES
LACK OF SIGNAGE AND BRANDING
NOT MEETING COMMUNITY NEEDS
CITY REGULATIONS AND PERMITS
2
Table data from Smile Minded Smartworks, LLC
CONCEPTUAL PL ANNING
A community-led walk of the Temple Square block took place in January of 2015, and was followed by a resident conversation at
the North Hill library discussing opportunities for pop-up businesses, inill development, and street modiications. There were
92 respondents, though each respondent may hit on multiple themes. Of the factors that prevented residents from visiting the
block, safety and lack of interesting businesses topped the list.
The survey, conducted by Smile Minded Smartworks, LLC, showed that restaurants would be the main amenity that would attract
more people to the block, followed by places to shop, coffee and tea houses, and outdoor space.
These submissions were culled by the Akron Better Block team into a series of concepts that had the greatest potential
for implementation. Concepts included a locally run Bhutanese dumpling restaurant, a clothing store, a bicycle shop, an
international market, a plaza garden, and a large pedestrian-friendly bulb-out plaza. Other concepts included a trafic circle and
cycle-tracks to enhance street access for pedestrians and cyclists. Ultimately, the trafic circle was removed because of safety
and implementation concerns, but all other elements were included for pre-build and development.
PERMIT TING
Obtaining permits and licenses were a also a large part
of our planning process.
Like most cities, Akron had a simple community event
application that we completed in order for merchants
to set up on the street, live music to be played, and
thoroughfares to be altered.
For the pop-up shops, we received permission from the
property owners to utilize the vacant spaces and made
the necessary changes and purchases required by Code
Compliance (exit signs, fire extinguishers, etc.)
We also had many meetings with AMATS and the Public
Works Bureau of the City of Akron to obtain all the
permissions necessary to paint the bike lanes, reallocate
parking spaces, and change the traffic pattern.
For the beer garden, The Highland Square Neighborhood

Association pulled a temporary permit from the Ohio
Department of Commerce to enable alcohol sales onsite.
These permits and permissions often deter the
community from activating public space, since they are
often cumbersome, tedious, and cost prohibitive.
Community
Buildout
Days prior to the buildout, pre-build workshops were
setup and manned by volunteers to assist in creating
each individual idea from the concept plan. A former
music store, Lentiens, was used as the Better Block lab
to facilitate construction and storage of materials.
Over 100 volunteers took part in this process, including
a high school class from North High School, members of
Keep Akron Beautiful, Torchbearers Akron, and dozens of
individuals who were passionate about improving their
neighborhood.
To create the bike lane, the City enlisted Public Works to
stripe the street with professional equipment using the
temporary paint we ordered for the project. The result
was a green bike lane that looked like it was there to
stay.
Top Left, Top Right

Building the parklet wih help from North High School
Bottom
Community members preparing the street bunting
Final Concept Plan
Final Product
Green Bike Lanes

N Main Street is a wide
thoroughfare that facilitates
high speed traffic and
discourages pedestrian activity.
In order to create a vibrant
block, the focus needs to be on
creating an irresistible place for
people, not cars.
GREEN BIKE LANES
Inspiration
Our inspiration for the Akron bike lane came from
the Green Lane Project, a project spearheaded by
PeopleforBikes. The initiative hopes to create low-stress
streets by separating on-street bike lanes with planters,
curbs, or parked cars.
While protected bike lanes have worked well in Denmark
and the Netherlands for many decades, they only
recently have begun to be implemented in the U.S.
Between 1874 and 2011, only 80 were built nationwide.
At the end of 2014, the count was up to 191, and the
number is expected to continue to grow dramatically.
Protected bike lanes bring predictability and order
to busy streets. Drivers like knowing where to expect
riders, and pedestrians arent dodging bikes on the
sidewalk. Protected bike lanes also add vitality and
energy to the street, attracting new businesses and
helping to create a community where people want to be.
Bike lanes have also been shown to drastically
increase business for stores in the district by delivering
customers to doorsteps at a slower pace.
Top Left
Penn Ave, Pittsburgh,2014
Top Right
L St NW,DC,2013
Middle Left
Alki Beach, Seattle, 2014
Bottom
55th Street, Chicago, 2013
GREEN BIKE LANES
Drafting
the Plans
Using standard measurements across the industry,
and some tips we learned from past projects, the
Better Block team made mock-up plans for Akrons
first green bike lanes.
The organization Code for America developed an open
source tool, streemix.net, that allows communities
to create their own cross-sections of streets and to
incorporate new infrastructure such as landscaping,
bike infrastructure, bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and
enhanced parking. Ideas developed with the help of
Streetmix were brought to life during the project.
8
Sidewalk
8
Sidewalk
10
Parking lane
5
2
Sidewalk
12
Drive lane
8
Parking lane
11
Drive lane
11
Drive lane
11
Drive lane
11
Drive lane
12
Drive lane
8
Parking lane
10
Parking lane
8
Sidewalk
5
2
Sidewalk
8
Sidewalk
GREEN BIKE LANES
Finding the
Resources
Unlike many of our past projects, where the bike
lanes were painted by volunteers using rollers and
tape, the City of Akron came on board and enlisted
Public Works Bureau to help us paint the lanes.
Though the paint was temporary and the borders
were marked with white duct tape, the lanes could
have easily been mistaken for the permanent green
lanes found in major cities across the country.
By including a buffer and moving street parking
to the outer edge of the bike lane, we created
a space where cyclists could enjoy the street
without the stress of traffic. Adding bike lanes and
widening sidewalks pinched the portion of the
street reserved for cars down to one lane in either
direction, reducing speed and making the street
safer not only for cyclists, but pedestrians and
drivers as well.
GREEN BIKE LANES
Applying the
Ideas
After the city painted the lanes, we created a workshop
to enlist volunteers who helped us stripe the bike lane
and create the buffer.
Using inexpensive materials, we created a crisp edge on
the street that gave the street a more professional look
and enhanced the cyclist and pedestrian experience.
Photos by Svetla Morrison
GREEN BIKE LANES
Before
Before the Better Block project took place, N Main Street at E Cuyahoga Falls Ave
looked like this:
GREEN BIKE LANES
After
By including a buffer and moving street parking to the outer edge of the bike lane,
we created a space where cyclists could enjoy the street without the stress of traffic.
Dozens of people came out during the weekend to take advantage of the new lanes.
GREEN BIKE LANES
Bike Lane
Evaluation
Mission:
To make the street safer for all users, traffic lanes
were reduced from four to two. The outside lanes
in each direction became extended sidewalks and
bike lanes. On-street parking acted as a buffer
between the bike lane and the street.
Outcome:
Traffic speeds and decibel levels were reduced.
On street parking remained full. The bike lanes
and added pedestrian space allowed users to
enjoy the space.
What Worked:
Overall design was a success. Road width allowed
for sufficient on street parking, buffered bike lane
and pedestrian space.
What didnt work:
Reduction in lanes caused some backup in traffic
during rush hour. This could be alleviated through
adjusting the traffic light cycles and also over time
drivers will take other routes as needed.
Build Partners:
City of Akron - Painted Lanes
Volunteers - Applied tape & crosswalk
Green Bike Lane Recipe

1
MEASUREMENT
OBSERVATION
- Obtain widths of the right-of-way

- Review traffic accident history
- Assess existing bike facilities
Materials per 180

- (3) Tempera Paint: $10
/unit
- (1) White Spray Paint:
$5/can
- (4) Tape: $15 / Roll
- (1) Stencil
2 DESIGN
3 IMPLEMENTATION
- Use streetmix.net for concepts

- Sketch model
- Traffic control plan
Tempera Paint
Tape
ProTapes Pro Duct 110

PE-Coated Cloth General
Purpose Duct Tape,
60 yds Length x 4 Width
White
4 INSTALL
Total Price for 180 (5 painted bike lane including striping & 2 buffer) :
- Rent traffic control equipment (cones,

orange vests)
- Get tape and green tempera paint
Sargent Art 22-7166 1-Pound
Art Time Powder Tempera,
Green.
1 unit produces 1 gallon.
1 gallon Covers approximately
300sf applied through sprayer.
$95, labor and traffic control not included
CLE AN SURFACE
2 people
Use push brooms, collect & dispose of debris
ME A SURE L ANES
3 people
Use marking spray, measuring tape & pull string. Measure

dimensions off the existing road center line
3 people
Apply spray while at a brisk walk. One person pushes the

machine, one person guides the machine, one person
tapers edges with cardboard.
APPLY TAPE STRIPPING
At least 2 people
Person 1 holds end on ground, second person walks ~ 6 in

advance ensuring tape is pulled straight. Person 1 walks
along tape securing it to the road
BIKE STENCIL
2 people
Person 1 holds stencil in place. Person 2 sprays white

paint using hand spayer or spray cans
PAINT SPR AYER
The Pop-Up Shops

Starting a brick-and-mortar
business can be intimidating
to a first-time entrepreneur,
but Better Block is the perfect
platform for local makers to test
out their concepts. By eliminating
many of the barriers that
complicate starting a business,
seven different pop-ups were
able to open for the weekend,
including:
Three Sisters Momo
Stray Dog Diner
Summit Cycling Center
Local Art Gallery
International Welcome Center
Neighbors Apparel
GAINS Bee-Happy Shop
THE POP-UP SHOPS
Inspiration
Local entrepreneurs are often looking for affordable and
accessible space. Temporary shops brought life to the
vacant buildings, and new amenities and occupied lots
rejuvenated the neighborhood.
Cities are increasingly using the idea of a pop-up
business to activate space, increase perception of
safety, encourage community investment, and stimulate
economic development in an otherwise blighted area.
Ninety-two residents surveyed by Smile Minded
Smartworks said the top three things that could bring
more visitors to the neighborhood were restaurants,
boutiques, and coffee/tea shops.
DESIRED AMENITIES:
AMOUNT OF MENTIONS IN
SURVEY:
Restaurants
Boutiques/Retail
Coffee shops
48
32
26
Photos taken of pop-up businesses at past Better Block

projects.
THE POP-UP SHOPS
Finding the Resources
Working with civic-minded Akron residents, we were

able to gather a group of entrepreneurs interested in
setting up shop for the weekend. Better Block took care
of their permits, insurance, and got permission from
the property owners. Shop owners were responsible
for converting their assigned space into a place of
business.
North Hill is one of the most diverse neighborhoods
of Akron, and a number of the pop-up shop owners
came from international backgrounds, most notably
Nepalese and Bhutanese cultures.
For the neighborhood and the city as a whole,
diversity creates new ideas, businesses, expressions
of art, organizations etc. Simply put, multicultural

neighborhoods and businesses provide opportunities
that might not occur otherwise.
Taking the international culture that already exists in
North Hill and concentrating it in the neighborhood
center created a diverse, walkable pop-up shop district
with a unique identity.
THE POP-UP SHOPS
Final Product
The pop-up shops not only served to increase
commercial density and walkability in the
neighborhood, but also greatly increased the
perception of safety. As attendees said:
I felt safe for once in 28 yrs. Never walked in that
area before Better Block. Thank You!
Lovin the international feel of where we live, was
happy to see that overlow into Better Block.
By activating the vacancies, the project illed in
the gaps in the street, kept visitors engaged and
gave them reason to linger on the block. The mix
of businesses, which included restaurants, an
art gallery, clothing stores, a bike shop, and an
information center, added intrigue and diversity to
the area.
Top Left
Neighbors Apparel
Top Right
Summit Cycling Center
Middle Left
Three Sisters Momo
Bottom
Neighbors Apparel
THE POP-UP SHOPS
MEET THE SHOPS

NEIGHBORS APPAREL
Neighbors Apparel employs refugee women from
around the world who now live in Akron. They make
t-shirts, bags & accessories for the American fashion
market using textiles authentic to the refugees
cultures.
SUMMIT CYCLING CENTER

Summity Cycling Center provided bike share, rentals
and workshops on bike repair, safety and bicycle
advocacy in Akron. The shop also sold refurbished
bicycles, parts and accessories.
INTERNATIONAL WELCOME CENTER

The International Institute of Akron in partnership
with Global Ties Akron showcased their vision of
creating a storefront full-service International
Welcome Center for immigrants, refugees, and
internationals living in Akron. In addition to direct
services, the center functioned as a comprehensive
resource for global connection in an environment
where Akron could meet the rest of the world.
All photos: Tim Fitzwater Photography
STRAY DOG DINER

Akron institution Stray Dog set up a sit-down
restaurant along Main Street featuring their hot dogs,
hamburgers and subs.
LOCAL ART GALLERY

Community members Lisa and Michael Kane organized
a pop-up art gallery to exhibit their glass artwork, as
well as work from a number of local artists in the
Akron area.
THREE SISTERS MOMO

Three Sisters is a woman-owned business employing
former Bhutanese refugees in the Greater Akron Area.
They make Momo-- a hand-folded dumpling stuffed
with meat and cabbage, as well as other traditional
Nepali dishes. Three Sisters sources their ingredients
from local farmers and businesses wherever possible.
GAINS BEE HAPPY AKRON SHOP

Located inside a shipping container, Greater Akron
Innovation Network for Sustainability set up a pop-up
shop labeled BEE Happy Akron. The container included
products from Akron Honey Company, Mustard Seed
Market, Urban Buzz and Salsbury- Schweyer, Inc.
POP-UP Recipe
1 PROCESS
- Identify potential business concepts and willing individuals as part of

the initial Better Block survey.
- Identify potential vacant spaces and willing property owners.
- Assess spaces and identify potential needs.
- Assign spaces to operators.
- Coordinate safety inspections with local authorities.
- Coordinate access to space for shop operators at least two weeks prior
to event to begin to prepare the space.
- Assist operators with necessary permits.
2 ITEMS
$150
-Approximate cost is
. The items that are listed below will be
provided by Better Block Organizers.
- Generator when space does not have electricity

- Fire extinguisher
- Exit signs
- Fire evacuations sign
- Occupancy limit sign
- Assistance with permitting process
The East Plaza

An underutilized parking lot
adjacent to Peoples Bank gave
us the perfect space for an
outdoor market and traditional
garden plaza. With the support
of Peoples Bank and inspired
by the Charbagh gardens of
ancient Persia and Europe, we
set up an outdoor gathering
space that activated the lot.
THE EAST PLAZA
Inspiration
Inspired by a recent trip to Queretaro, Mexico, our East
Plaza followed the traditional Law of the Indies, a body
of laws created in the 16th century that prioritized the
beauty of a place and required that every town have a
centralized commons or gathering space.
Many cities and towns that were built for human scale,
notably in Europe and South America, centered around
a common plaza that tied together a grid of streets,
sometimes up to 12. These plazas often have green
space, a water feature or central art piece, and seating
areas, and were seperated into fours as dictated by
the traditional Charbagh gardens of Persia.
Like towns that followed the Law of the Indies, our
East Plaza featured seating areas, narrowed walking
corridors, a central sculpture created by Akrons League
of Creative Interventionists, and plants, mulch and trees
donated by Keep Akron Beautiful.
To take the plaza a step further, we also created
a performance stage at one end of the plaza. We
hosted an outdoor artisan market on Saturday and a
farmers market on Sunday, organized by Countryside
Conservancy.
Queretaro, Mexico
THE EAST PLAZA
Drafting
the Plans
After studying the plazas in Mexico and determining
the dimensions of the space, our team drew out the
plans for the East Plaza.
We used models from an ancient Persian-style garden
layout known as Charbagh, or four garden, and laid
the garden out with four axial paths that converged
into a central circular area. The chosen layout for the
garden also reflected the Middle Eastern population
that has settled in the North Hill neighborhood.
THE EAST PLAZA
Finding the
Resources
The materials used were haybales, donated mulch,
donated flowers and trees, recycled billboard vinyl and
burlap.
Better Block partnered with Keep Akron Beautiful and
enlisted dozens of volunteers to plant flowers, move
haybales, and work to turn an empty parking lot into a
garden plaza.
We also worked with The League of Creative
Interventionists to create a piece of art for the center
of the plaza, local market organizers Countryside
Conservancy for a farmers market, and The International
Institute to organize an international craft and food
market.
Top Left
League of Creative Interventionists
Top Right
Trees from Keep Akron Beautiful
Bottom
Keep Akron Beautiful Volunteers
THE EAST PLAZA
Applying the
Ideas
Dozens of volunteers worked tirelessly in the days

leading up to the event to spread mulch, plant lowers,
and cover haybales in vinyl and burlap.
The garden was assembled within three hours and
became a focal point for the block.
Photo credit: Svetla Morrison
THE EAST PLAZA
Final
Product
Despite scattered rain, the weekend drew dozens of
vendors and hundreds of attendees who came out to
enjoy the performances and the new public space.
Smile Minded Smartworks counted 135 people in the
plaza on Saturday, May 16th, and 76 on May 17th, either
engaged with vendors, sitting, or dancing. The same
surveyors only counted one or two people in the plaza
in the days before the event.
THE EAST PLAZA
The East Plaza

Summary
Mission:
Temple Square lacks a space for the community to
connect. The East Plaza addressed this need while also
repairing the urban fabric of the block. Design of the plaza
allowed users to interact and be comfortable. To activate
the space, a market was organized comprised of local
vendors. Additionally, programming was provided with a
wide variety of cultural performances.
What Worked:
The space successfully engaged users. Passive seating
allowed for groups of all sizes to linger comfortably.
What didnt work:
Weather proved to be a challenge over the weekend.
Despite heavy rains, many users stayed. Unfortunately,
some vendors did not do as well as they had hoped.
Build Partners:
Peoples Bank (Land Owner), Keep Akron Beautiful
(Volunteers & Supplies)
The market atmosphere is what

brought me back day 2 and 3. If
that feel was maintained then I
would return to Temple Square
on a weekly basis.
GARDEN PLAZA Recipe
DESIGN
MATERIALS
-Identify space for plaza & obtain permission

from property owner
-Measure dimensions of space. Note solar
orientation, shade, topography, water & electrical
-Design space - include opportunity for seating,
art and vendors
(120) Straw Bales (36x18x14h)

(10) 10x20 Vinyl Billboards
(2) 180x48 Burlap
(1) Box Landscape fabric staples
(6 Yards) Mulch
M ARK L AYOUT
2 people
Use string line and spray chalk to mark planned layout
PL ACE BALES
4-12 people
Place bales along markings
FILL
4-12 people
Move mulch into garden areas
WR AP BALES
4-8 people
Cut vinyl into 5 x 20 strips. Tuck vinyl around bales to keep

them dry. Place burlap over vinyl. Secure burlap in place
with landscape staples.
PL ANTS
4-12 people
Place plants in mulch.
Approximate Price: $1200 not including labor, mulch and vinyl donated, plants loaned. Straw bales can be rented from some feedstores.
Some vendors will also include drop off and pickup. Vinyl can be obtained from sign shops like Clear Channel Communications for little
or no fee. Mulch can usually be donated from local tree companies. Plants can be loaned from local nurseries. Straw bales usually cost
around $4 to $8 a bale, not including delivery.
The West Plaza

The intersection at the corner of
N Main Street and E Cuyahoga
Falls Ave. is extremely wide and
difficult to maneuver. Speedy
motor vehicle transportation
semed to be the main purpose
of the street design, leaving
pedestrians and bikes without
much space to move around. We
decided to eliminate a turn lane
on N Main Street and convert it
into a plaza with a bocce court
and seating area.
THE WEST PLAZA
Inspiration
Our West Plaza was inspired by the Italian culture of
North Hill. With a number of supper clubs and bocce
leagues, the Italian community is an integral part of the
identity of the neighborhood.
We were also inspired by cities who have converted
underutilized turning lanes and street parking spaces
into public space. Transforming the turning lane into
pedestrian space not only serves to narrow the street
and slow trafic, but also creates a safe, inviting space
for the community to gather.
Top Left, Top Right and Middle Left

Team Better Block and community organizers meeting at
the Carovillese Club, a historic Italian Club in the North Hill
neighborhood.
Bottom
A Bocce Ball court in an Italian park
THE WEST PLAZA
Finding the
Resources
To create the bocce court, we used wood, donated crushed limestone, and discarded paint. The space was demarcated
from the street with circles cut from recycled car skins, and the bike lane, pallet benches, and planters created a
barrier between pedestrians and the street. Round tables and chairs were rented to create an outdoor seating area.
We created a workshop to enlist volunteers to build the bocce court. Flowers were donated by Keep Akron Beautiful.
The Akron Boy Scouts Troop helped unload and set up the seating in the area.
THE WEST PLAZA
Applying the
Ideas
Our plaza workshops drew the highest amount of
volunteers throughout the week. With dozens of pallets
and large spaces that needed to be demarcated from
the street, volunteers were separated into tasks that
included building benches from pallets, sanding,
painting, cutting out circles for the street, and placing
furniture.
An engaged group from North High School was very
instrumental in sanding and painting the street furniture.
Families came out to cut circles out of recycled car skins
for the street, and community members contributed
their own tools to help drill together pallets for the
benches and chairs. Volunteers also helped string lights
and bunting across the street to create a festive plaza
atmosphere.
After two days of work, the community had created a
plaza with seating and artful street decorations. The
plaza was bordered by landscaping donated by Keep
Akron Beautiful and the green bike lane that was
completed earlier in the week.
Photo Credit: Svetla Morrison
THE WEST PLAZA
Final
Product
The bocce court turned out to be a huge success at
the event. The seating area at the North end of the
plaza suffered at first from a lack of programming,
but then came to life after a shaved ice stand set up
in the plaza.
Compared with zero people in the days leading up to
the event (to be fair, it used to be part of the street),
our surveyors found that an average of 50 to 6o
people were gathering in the West Plaza during the
weekend. The bocce court saw players from Italian
clubs across Akron, as well young children, families,
and teenagers in the community.
Many attendees also reported spontaneously
bumping into old acquaintances and making new
connections on the block because of the new public
space. As one attendee said:
People from all walks of

life gathered together in
harmony!
Photo Credit, Top Left: Tim Fitzwater Photography
BOCCE BALL Recipe
MATERIALS
(12) 1x10x10 untreated lumber

(2) 1x10x12 untreated lumber
(2) 2x4x8 untreated lumber, cut into 9
sections
(1) Box of 2 Deck Screws
(4 yards) Fine gravel (Decomposed granite,
oyster shell, or crushed limestone will do)
(1 Gallon) Paint
(1) Bocce Ball Set
L AYOUT
2 people
Measure dimensions on street. Mark out boundary using string line

and marking paint.
FR A ME
2 people
Assemble frame. Attach boards together by using the cut 2x4

sections at the seams. Leave one end of frame open for gravel
installation
GR AVEL
4-10 people
Move gravel from pile into frame using shovels and wheelbarrows.
Ideal depth 1.5 feet. Rake gravel for even depth.
Total price was approximately $200 not including labor. Materials purchased included full price lumber and screws. Paint
was purchased at a discount from paint stores by requesting mis-tints. Aggregate used for the west plaza Bocce court
was crushed lime stone. Availability will vary by region. Crushed granite, compacted sand, astro-turf, or oyster shell are
all acceptable surfaces. Costs were kept down by loaning aggregate from the stone supplier. For this project the supplier
delivered the materials for free. Afterwards, a local construction company picked up and returned the stone voluntarily. If
your local stone company isnt as generous, find a property owner who needs stone and is willing to purchase the material and
loan it for the duration of the event. Afterwards, deliver the stone to its final location. We recommend utilizing a landscaping
company with a bobcat /skid-steer and dump truck for clean up and transportation of stone.
Activity Square
The availability of a vacant,
grassy lot on the block
invited a location for games
and recreation during the
Better Block project. The area
presented another vacancy
on the block that dramatically
reduces the walkability of the
area. These vacant lots are at
risk of becoming parking lots,
which further diminish the
walkability of the street.
At our activity square, we
organized outdoor yoga and
tai chi, ping pong tables, and a
small goal soccer tournament.
ACTIVITY SQUARE
Inspiration
In addition to having unique places to eat, drink and
explore, great blocks also give the community place
a place to exercise, play, and engage in fun activities.
The activities we designed included ping pong tables,
a futsal field (small goal soccer frequently played in
Nepal), and an area designated for yoga and tai chi
classes. Though the rain prevented us from showing
it, we also had a wall and lawn area set aside for an
outdoor movie screening.
While play areas in cities are often designated only
for children, our activity square included activities
that people of all ages could partake in. This was a
deliberate decision inspired by Gil Penalosas 8-80
Cities initiative, which encourages all public space to
appeal to anyone from 8 to 80 years of age.
Activities and programming promote health and
sustainability in public life, and a variety of programs
attracts a variety of residents.
Pictures of activities at past Better Block

projects
ACTIVITY SQUARE
Drafting
the Plans
Given that there was only one grassy field on the block,
it was easy to choose the location for the activity area.
Our team worked with local community members to
measure dimensions, gather supplies for the fields and
ping pong tables, and draft plans to incorporate them
into the project.
ACTIVITY SQUARE
Finding the
Resources
To program the field, we teamed up with a local area
futsal organizer, a yoga instructor, a tai chi master, and
a group that hosts regular outdoor movies. We also
purchased sheets of plywood, a sawhorse, white duct
tape, a net and ping pong balls to build ping pong
tables in the field.
We created an online workshop registration link to
bring together a number of volunteers to build the
tables and stripe the field.
ACTIVITY SQUARE
Final Product
Activity Square saw the most activity when classes
or tournaments were going on, though the ping pong
table seemed to be in constant demand throughout
the weekend.
With the help of the instructors promotions and
schedules published on signs around the street, the
yoga and tai chi classes saw small but dedicated
groups at each of their events.
The futsal field sat vacant much of the weekend until
high schoolers from around the neighborhood came
together for a tournament on Saturday afternoon.
A Friday night outdoor movie garnered much excitement
from the community, but was unfortunately cancelled
due to heavy rainfall that evening.
Top Left
An early evening yoga class
Top Right
Kids enjoying activity square, photo credit: Tim
Fitwater Photography
Bottom
Ping pong
Activity Square Recipe
Photo credit: Tim Fitzwater Photography
DESIGN
MATERIALS
-Identify space for field & obtain permission

from property owner
-Measure dimensions of space. Note the
amount of sunlight, shade, and topography.
-Design space - consider how dimensions
and topography dictate what activities
would be successful.
(2) plywood sheets

(2) Saw horses
White duct tape
(1) Ping pong kit
(1) Can white marking paint
M ARK L AYOUT
2 people
Use string line and marking spray to mark outlines of field
BUILD TABLES
2-4 people
Stack plywood sheets on top of sawhorses one to create

steady surface. Mark sides and center with tape and install
ping pong net.
Approximate Price:
$140, not including labor.
The Beer Garden

Though a bar exists on the
block, city regulations inhibit
outdoor seating and sidewalk
activity. Inspired by other
outdoor beer gardens and
watering holes, we extended
the sidewalk on the west side
of N Main Street to allow for
a beer garden featuring local
brews, a stage, and a seating
area.
THE BEER GARDEN
Inspiration
Our sidewalk beer garden was inspired by traditional
Bavarian beer gardens, which began in shaded lots above
a brewers beer cellars.
Beer gardens provide a place for people to sit and mingle,
and beer provides a social lubricant to bring the community
together.
This page
Traditional German biergartens
Top Right
Better Block San Antonio Beer Garden, 2012
Bottom
Knox Strasse Biergarten, Dallas, 2012
BEER GARDEN
THE BEER GARDEN
Drafting the
Plan
We secured a permit from the State of Ohio with the

help of the Highland Square Neighborhood Association.
We then found an area of the sidewalk that would work
for the beer garden, measured the space, and created
the plan.
Pallet fencing delineated the beer garden. The space
included rented round tables, chairs, and a stage for live
music and performances.
THE BEER GARDEN
Finding the
Resources
Due to restrictive alcohol permitting laws, we partnered with a local nonprofit, the Highland
Square Neighborhood Association, to host the beer permit and run the beer garden. In exchange,
the association kept all profits from beer sales.
We created workshops to build walls out of pallets to delineate the beer garden from the street.
We built a stage out of pallets and plywood, and rented tables and chairs for seating.
THE BEER GARDEN
Applying the
Ideas
We created a workshop for volunteers to sign up to
create the pallet fences, paint the furniture, and tie
together the fencing.
After a few hours of help from dozens of volunteers, the
beer garden had been created.
THE BEER GARDEN
Final
Product
The beer garden was one of the most popular areas
during the event. Inspired once again by Gil Penalosas
8-80 cities, a beer garden appeals to adults and young
professionals and gives them an opportunity to socialize
and linger. The beer gardens proximity to the West Plaza
and other seating areas allowed children to play close by
while parents gathered in the beer garden.
The Highland Square Neighborhood Association agreed
to host the beer garden in exchange for sales from the
drinks, and Thirsty Dog Brewery provided beer for the
event. Thanks to strategically placed tents overhead, the
beer garden was one of the only areas that remained
populated throughout the rainy periods.
Top Left
Musicians peforming in the beer garden
Top Right
The Better Block crew catching up over beers
Bottom
Beer garden and West Plaza
PARKLET Recipe
SUPPLIES
TOOLS
-Pallets (6 pallets per stage, 13 per
parklet)
- Potential pallet sources include
local grocery stores, Home Depot and
Lowes. Check with store managers in
advance. Blue pallets are off limits.
Pallets can also be purchased directly
from pallet recyclers but l may cost
up to $8 each. Recyclers might supply
delivery. Otherwise, plan on renting
a UHaul truck to transport pallets to
the site. Ideally, use pallets of all the
same size. 48x48 are common.
BUILD
-Approximate price per parklet

company.
- 1.5 Deck Screws

- (3) 4x8 sheets of OSB Plywood
- Paint - Discounted paint can be
obtained from paint shops by requesting
mis-tints
- Sandpaper pads
- Hammer
- 1 Medium weight deck nails
- Measuring tape
- Paint Brushes & Rollers (4 preferred)
- Drop Cloth
- Painters Paper
- Cordless Drill
- Circular Saw
- Safety glasses
- Work Gloves
$50. Pallets can be returned to original source or picked up by pallet salvage

4 people
Place pallets on the ground. For parklets, place pallets

flush with the curb. Place two rows of 3 pallets parallel
to the curb. Set plywood on top of pallets. No cutting
plywood or pallets should be needed. Secure plywood to
pallet with deck screws.
SIDES & C ANOPY
4 people
For parklets secure pallets vertically along edge of

foundation to create a boundary fence. Leave sidewalk
side open. For more embellished parklets create a canopy
using 2x4s as posts. Use landscape fabric or burlap to
make shade material. Use heavy duty stapler and 1x1 trim
boards to create support structure for shade
PAINT
4 people
Paint exterior side of fencing
FOUNDATION
PALLET FURNITURE Recipe
SUPPLIES
TOOLS
- Pallets (2 pallets per bench)
- Potential pallet sources include
local grocery stores, Home Depot and
Lowes. Check with store managers in
advance. Blue painted pallets are off
limits. Pallets can also be purchased
directly from pallet recyclers but l
may cost up to $8. Recyclers might
supply delivery. Otherswise, plan on
renting a UHaul truck to transport
pallets to the site. Ideally, use pallets
of all the same size. 48x48 are
common.
2 BUILD
- 1.5 Deck Screws

- (3) 4x8 sheets of OSB Plywood
- Paint - Discounted paint can
be obtained from paint shops by
requesting mis-tints Sandpaper pads
- Hammer
- 1 Medium weight deck nails
- Measuring tape
- Paint Brushes & Rollers (4
preferred)
- Drop Cloth
- Painters Paper
- Cordless Drill
- Circular Saw
- Safety glasses
- Work Gloves
- Pallet building is best done in a workshop setting. Promote the workshop in advance and have an online signup form. On
workshop day assemble volunteers and break them up into teams depending on skillsets. Establish 3 stations: a cutting
station, an assembly station and a paint station. Create at least one model item in advance of workshop for furniture to be
based on. Many design options are available online.
CUT TING STATION
3 people
Limit access to circular saw to dedicated users. Cut pallets

into necessary dimensions
A SSEMBLY STATION
4 people
Assemble pallet pieces into furniture using drill and

screws
SAND & PAINT STATION
4 people
Sand & Paint inished furniture
$10
Approximate price per bench

. When placing furniture out for the event ensure the paint is dry for sitting on. Place
painters paper on wet spots as necessary.
A Recipe for
Success
CO-OWNERSHIP
The barn-building mentality of the Better Block project
brings a community together to help rebuild their
neighborhood. We take reclaimed wood, metals, and
other local resources, and retrofit them into usable
structures for the community. Sidewalk benches,
parklets, pedestrian islands, and crosswalks are all
developed locally by unskilled and skilled community
members who collectively share ownership of their
space. From sharing tools to donating time, this
ownership transforms Them to Us and is vital for
making a place feel loved and cared for.
By engaging the diverse community in Akron and giving
them the resources they need to start businesses and
invest in their community, the neighborhood now has
the potential to become a self-sustaining, vibrant
economic center that thrives from its own residents.
VOLUNTEERS:
Boy Scouts of Akron
Torchbearers Akron
Keep Akron Beautiful
North High School
70+ local community members
THE IMPORTANCE OF
IDENTITY
As an international district, North Hill is home to
hundreds of refugees from Bhutan, Nepal, Burma and
the Middle East, making it a community rich in culture
and diversity.
The shops and activities throughout the weekend
reflected the multicultural flair of the neighborhood;
Three Sisters Momo served traditional Nepali dumplings
by employing Bhutanese refugees; Neighbors Apparel
employs local refugees to create its unique clothing
and accessories; the art gallery showcased work made
by local refugee youth; and the International Welcome
Center served to educate attendees about the global
identity of the neighborhood and provide resources to
immigrants in the community.
In addition, businesses that already existed around the
block, such as a family-owned grocery store and The
Office Bistro, benefited from the increased pedestrian
activity in the area and saw a boom in sales over the
weekend.
Top Left
A Bhutanese performance, photo credit: Tim
Fitzwater Photography
Top Middle
Neighbors Apparel photo booth
Top Right
Welcome sign at the International Insitute
Welcome Center
Bottom
Hmong marketplace vendors, photo credit: Tim
Fitzwater Photography
CREATING A GATHERING
SPACE
The two plazas, activity square, and outdoor
beer garden, which were all enhanced by shade,
seating, food, drink, and recreational options,
invited people to linger and get to know one
another in an otherwise unfriendly, car-centric
atmosphere.
SUSTAINABILITY
Like all of our projects, Better Block sources its
materials locally and works to use borrowed
tools and equipment to save costs and to engage
the community in the build process. Temporary
donations were used to landscape the street;
reclaimed pallets became furniture and fencing;
recycled billboard vinyl became bunting, chair
covers, and mural backdrops; and old rubber tires
were turned into art.
Before event:
After event:
This is not a block

Id feel particularly
comfortable at at night.
The lighting is poor, or
at least not inviting.
I felt safe for once

in 28 years. Never
walked in that area
before Better Block.
Thank You!
PERCEPTION OF SAFETY
When conducting pre-event surveys, participants
listed perception of safety as the primary detriment
to the block.
If a place feels unsafe, surrounding businesses and
the community at large will suffer. Its important to
be mindful of the most cautious members of society
when gauging the health of a block. The elderly and
young mothers are often bellwethers that, when seen
in large numbers, help portray a neighborhood as
safe.
The North Hill neighborhood has suffered from
a lack of investment and, as a result, a perception
of increased crime in recent years. These elements
reduced the real and perceived safety of the
neighborhood and created a narrative that the place
was equivalent to the bad side of town. This view
could rapidly spiral downward, negatively affect
home sales and new business development, reduce
the number of eyes on the street, and ultimately,
become a self-fulilling prophecy if not addressed.
The irst step to changing that perception is
re-taking the name and telling others that North
Hill is a great place! Though simplistic, this act alone
begins changing the local and regional psychology
of the neighborhood. Eventually, changing North
Hills reputation would instill pride in its residents
and return ownership of the neighborhood to the
community.
Team Better Block recommends continuing to

develop an irresistible outdoor presence on the
block to enhance street life, vibrancy, and economics.
Being mindful of what makes people feel welcome
and comfortable should be prioritized by area
stakeholders.
Photo credit: Svetla Morrison
F. INCREMENTAL DENSIFICATION
A lack of population density is one of the most obvious problems facing the existing built environment. Encouraging higher movein rates in Better Block areas will increase patronage, and sustainability, at local businesses.
While the North Hill neighborhood has a historic structure that at one time encouraged pedestrian activity, many of the pre-war
buildings on the block have either been torn down or sit vacant, creating dead space in the street that makes it difficult for small
businesses to prosper. By inviting pop-up businesses to reactivate the vacancies, and filling the spaces in between buildings with
plazas and programming, Better Block temporarily creates commercial density in the area that increases perception of safety and
draws pedestrians and patrons down the street.
For a more permanent solution, block stakeholders should partner with local organizations, universities, and young entrepreneurs
to incubate these spaces for longer periods of time with the ultimate goal of lasting change. Creating a model for
ongoing maintenance and administration should also be built into the block. Tools such as Business Improvement
Districts (BIDs) allow for small quasi-governmental entities to levy local taxes with a block boundary to keep funds
within a blocks constraints. Though these are normally created and overseen by local governments, models exist
that allow self-organized blocks to levy their own 1% tax. Finding the right size and it for the block should be an
early undertaking for the merchants who will help administer the growth of the area.
The Results
QUANTITATIVE
Because of the event, average northbound traffic
speeds decreased from 29.6 mph to 13.4 mph, and
southbound traffic speeds decreased from 28.9
mph to 16 mph.
Decibel levels maxed out at 87 during the event, but
were recorded at 97 before the event.
QUALITATIVE
The 100 attendees surveyed by Smile Minded
Smartworks, LLC, ranged in age from 8 to 72. The
majority of attendees surveyed were white, with a
number of Asians, Hispanics, and African Americans.
As the tables on the right indicate, surveyed
attendees wished to see more activitities, seating,
bike lanes, street narrowing, food, performances,
and shade.
Participants surveyed said they would like to see
more shops, restaurants, and outdoor markets, bike
lanes, narrower roads, street trees and landscaping,
and streets closed to vehicular traffic.
Thanks to activities, programs, and the creation
of a public space, the number of people on the
block increased exponentially. There were people
dancing, sitting, walking and shopping throughout
the weekend, whereas only a handful of pedestrians
were witnessed on the block in the weeks and days
prior to the event.
TEMPLE SQUARE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION

SMILE-MINDED SMARTWORKS SURVEY
TEAM BETTER BLOCK SURVEY RESULTS
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION
FRI
SAT
SUN
BB
SAT
BB
SUN
TRIP LINE OR CROSSWALK
5/1
4/18
5/3
5/16
5/17
Temple Square Park to

Peoples Bank Entrance
12
39
52
ACROSS MAIN ST.
17
12
225
PAST LIBERTY TAX
EAST TO WEST
N/A Traffic in
TS-PB Measure
OFFICE BISTRO
ONTO MAIN ST.
If you could recommend one physical change for the area, what
would it be?
Of the demonstrations, which would

you like to see more of?
COUNT
THEME
THEME
COUNT
ACTIVITIES
56
SHOPS/MARKET
25
335
SEATING
22
BIKE LANES
10
25
56
BIKE LANES
18
NARROW ROAD
69
61
NARROW ROAD
16
BIGGER
14
35
PLANTINGS
PLANTINGS/TREES
FOOD
CLOSE STREETS
MUSIC
ENTERTAINMENT
PLAZA
CROSSWALK
ACROSS MAIN ST.

NEAR FAMILY GROCERY
MID BLOCK CROSSWALK
N/A
N/A
N/A
35
N/A
ART
SEATING
TOTAL
22
40
14
479
786
SHADE
ETHNIC DIVERSITY
ENTERING/EXITING
23
125
150
390
VENDORS
ON STREET PARKING
72
247
SMILE MINDED SMARTWORKS SURVEY
WHAT PHYSICAL CHANGES TO THE BLOCK WOULD YOU LIKE MADE PERMANENT?
PERMANENT CHANGES
COUNT
ADDITIONAL TREES
226
72.25
SIDEWALK SEATING
224
71.65
BIKE LANES
218
69.65
EXTENSION OF BIKE LANES TO DOWNTOWN
195
62.39
PLAZA SPACE W/ SEATING & STAGE
174
55.69
PLAY SPACES (BOCCE, SOCCER, ETC.)
152
48.69
MID-BLOCK CROSSWALK
151
48.25
PARKING LANES
130
41.59
PLAZA IN FRONT OF TAX BUILDING
125
39.99
NARROWING OF THE STREET
117
37.49
ADDITIONAL BIKE RACKS
115
36.79
AWNINGS/TENTS
95
30.79
Going Forward
Moving forward, plans are now in the works to take concepts developed
for the Better Block and make them permanent. Many thanks to all of the
community members, property owners, city staff, and volunteers for making
this an incredibly successful event.
However, activity programming and investment will need to continue in
order to maintain the momentum developed from the Better Block project.
The Better Block process is much like planting a tree: It carves out the course
for incremental improvement, but must be watered and nurtured in order
to grow and thrive.
Creating small additions that occupy the spaces between buildings is
a simple irst step to begin bringing more activity and life into the area.
Monthly farmers markets, beer gardens, outdoor movies, and passive play
areas that invite families to linger should be an early focus.
Working with city oficials to creatively activate long vacant buildings
is imperative. Existing zoning ordinances can often be too rigid to allow
interesting mixed-use spaces to spring up from innovative business ideas.
Places must be able to adapt rapidly to changing patterns in society.
Successful block businesses that once thrived on a retail presence alone,
like bookstores and music shops, must create opportunities for mixed uses
in order to maintain patronage. The third place model, which suggests a
business should become a space for daily life after home and the workplace,
should inform how the blocks businesses operate.
Programmed activities such as holiday markets, food festivals, art and music
events, clean-up days, and group bike rides will keep energy and activity on
the street.

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2 01 5 TE M PL E SQ UARE FIN AL R EP ORT

AKRON BETTER BLOCK | 2

Why Better Block?.......................................................................................................................................................................

Final Concept Plan......................................................................................................................................................................

The Final Product.......................................................................................................................................................................

Green Bike Lanes..........................................................................................................................................................

The Pop-Up Shops.......................................................................................................................................................

The East Plaza...............................................................................................................................................................

The West Plaza..............................................................................................................................................................

The Beer Garden...........................................................................................................................................................

A Recipe for Success..................................................................................................................................................................

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N Main Street, before the Better Block project

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Image source: Vintage Main Street, Akron

wide and difficult to maneuver. Allowing cars to move

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THE OUTDOOR LIFE

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North Hill Neighborhood, Akron

Why Better Block?

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Jason Roberts painting a crosswalk in Dallas, TX

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SAFETY / CRIME (INCLUDES JUVENILES ROAMING IN GROUPS / HOMELESS/DRUG USERS

LACK OF REASONS TO GO (ONLY ONE RESTAURANT, FEW SHOPS, NO EVENTS...)

LACK OF BIKEABILITY, WALKABILITY, AND STABILITY

LACK OF BEAUTY (UGLY FACADES, BILLBOARDS, ETC.)

HIGH TRAFFIC/WIDE STREET

LACK OF COMMUNITY COHESIVENESS BETWEEN DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES

INCOME LEVEL OF RESIDENTS

LIMITED INVESTMENT AND LOW-END BUSINESSES

LACK OF SIGNAGE AND BRANDING

NOT MEETING COMMUNITY NEEDS

CITY REGULATIONS AND PERMITS

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For the beer garden, The Highland Square Neighborhood

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Top Left, Top Right

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Final Concept Plan

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Green Bike Lanes

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GREEN BIKE LANES

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GREEN BIKE LANES

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GREEN BIKE LANES

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GREEN BIKE LANES