ENERGIZED BY THIS ENDORSEMENT OF MY UNIVERSAL DESIGN SKILLS

AS A KEYNOTE SPEAKER AND PLANNING CONSULTANT

"I highly recommend Steve Wright for any future projects or initiatives that involve Universal Design or the promotion of accessibility. 

His expertise and commitment to inclusivity will undoubtedly continue to make a positive impact on the communities he serves." 

--Eric Larson, CEO, Downtown Detroit Partnership, 2023

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is a group of diverse business and community leaders committed to supporting a vibrant, thriving and welcoming urban center through innovation, investment, philanthropy and community building. 

Having observed its centennial in 2022, the DDP is one of the oldest and most successful downtown organizations in the nation.

 

ENERGIZED BY THIS ENDORSEMENT OF MY UNIVERSAL DESIGN SKILLS

AS A KEYNOTE SPEAKER AND PLANNING CONSULTANT

"Steve Wright's ability to communicate concepts in an accessible manner was evident, and his passion for Universal Design shone through in every aspect of his presentation. 

Steve's contributions have made a lasting impact on our organization, and we are immensely grateful for his dedication and expertise. 

His commitment to promoting inclusivity and accessibility aligns perfectly with our mission to create a Downtown Detroit that is welcoming to everyone."

--Eric Larson, CEO, Downtown Detroit Partnership, 2023

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is a group of diverse business and community leaders committed to supporting a vibrant, thriving and welcoming urban center through innovation, investment, philanthropy and community building. 

Having observed its centennial in 2022, the DDP is one of the oldest and most successful downtown organizations in the nation.

ENERGIZED BY THIS ENDORSEMENT OF MY UNIVERSAL DESIGN SKILLS

AS A KEYNOTE SPEAKER AND PLANNING CONSULTANT

"While in town, Steve Wright delivered an engaging and informative visual presentation during to DDP leadership and team. 

His presentation, which lasted approximately one hour, allowed ample time for questions and answers, fostering a productive and insightful dialogue."

--Eric Larson, CEO, Downtown Detroit Partnership, 2023

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is a group of diverse business and community leaders committed to supporting a vibrant, thriving and welcoming urban center through innovation, investment, philanthropy and community building. 

Having observed its centennial in 2022, the DDP is one of the oldest and most successful downtown organizations in the nation.

 

ENERGIZED BY THIS ENDORSEMENT OF MY UNIVERSAL DESIGN SKILLS

AS A KEYNOTE SPEAKER AND PLANNING CONSULTANT

"Within 30 days of the tour, as per the agreed-upon timeframe, Steve Wright submitted a concise yet comprehensive report summarizing his observations, recommendations, and suggestions. 

The report was well-structured and provided actionable insights that are now being used as a guide to inform future design and development initiatives within the Downtown Detroit area. 

Steve's expertise and attention to detail contributed to the quality of this report and its value to our organization."

--Eric Larson, CEO, Downtown Detroit Partnership, 2023

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is a group of diverse business and community leaders committed to supporting a vibrant, thriving and welcoming urban center through innovation, investment, philanthropy and community building. 

Having observed its centennial in 2022, the DDP is one of the oldest and most successful downtown organizations in the nation.

ENERGIZED BY THIS ENDORSEMENT OF MY UNIVERSAL DESIGN SKILLS

AS A KEYNOTE SPEAKER AND PLANNING CONSULTANT 

"Steve Wright's assignment with DDP was to conduct a comprehensive walking tour on Monday, June 12, 2023, in the company of key members of our team.

The purpose of the tour was to highlight Universal Design issues and identify opportunities to enhance accessibility and inclusivity within our city center. 

Steve's guidance and insights during the 90-minute walking tour were invaluable.

He demonstrated a deep understanding of Universal Design principles, and his ability to articulate the importance of creating spaces that are accessible to all members of the community was thoughtful."

--Eric Larson, CEO, Downtown Detroit Partnership, 2023

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is a group of diverse business and community leaders committed to supporting a vibrant, thriving and welcoming urban center through innovation, investment, philanthropy and community building. 

Having observed its centennial in 2022, the DDP is one of the oldest and most successful downtown organizations in the nation.

ENERGIZED BY THIS ENDORSEMENT OF MY UNIVERSAL DESIGN SKILLS

 AS A KEYNOTE SPEAKER AND PLANNING CONSULTANT

"I am writing to provide a recommendation for Steve Wright and the services he provided during his engagement with the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP).

Steve's expertise in Universal Design and his commitment to promoting inclusivity have had an important impact on our organization and the Downtown Detroit community as DDP continues its stewardship of our downtown."

--Eric Larson, CEO, Downtown Detroit Partnership, 2023

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is a group of diverse business and community leaders committed to supporting a vibrant, thriving and welcoming urban center through innovation, investment, philanthropy and community building. 

Having observed its centennial in 2022, the DDP is one of the oldest and most successful downtown organizations in the nation.

TURNAROUNDS TAKE TIME

GREAT CITIES DO NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT

CREATING PLACE AND PROSPERITY REQUIRES PATIENCE

Bill Lennertz of Collaborative Design + Innovation in Portland, Ore., worked with the teams during the Edgewood/Candler Park MARTA station workshop.

“That was a great charrette.

I remember that an underlying goal was to get all the important parties to the table, which happened,” he said.

“The MARTA station transit-oriented development vision proves that patience wins out.

Though it took many years, a great urban infill project is finally coming on line.”

TURNAROUNDS TAKE TIME

GREAT CITIES DO NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT

CREATING PLACE AND PROSPERITY REQUIRES PATIENCE

The four-day workshop brought together stakeholders and was funded in part by the Atlanta Livable Centers Initiative.

The goal was to study transit-oriented development for the parking lot site.

Even at rush hour, the giant parking lot was never more than about one third full.

Fenced off, deteriorating surface parking and sidewalks created a barrier between the isolated station and an adjacent park and nearby multifamily housing and retail sites.

The ultimate development became known as Spoke.

It was planned by Atlanta-based TSW’s Landscape Architecture Studio, for developer Columbia Ventures.

“The long-term effort succeeded through developing a variety of elements, including mass transit; affordable housing; parks and green spaces; and retail/office components,” said Robin Godwin, ACBR executive vice president.

TURNAROUNDS TAKE TIME

GREAT CITIES DO NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT

CREATING PLACE AND PROSPERITY REQUIRES PATIENCE

In 2011, the Atlanta Commercial Board of REALTORS® (ACBR) actively participated in turning a smart growth plan into a viable commercial/residential development.

The property was a surface lot at the Edgewood/Candler Park MARTA station.

The site is in an older suburb of mostly single-family homes southeast of downtown.

The ACBR leadership recognized a growing market of buyers and renters who want to live in urban, walkable locations.

According to Robin Godwin, ACBR executive vice president, ACBR completed a comprehensive design charrette to evaluate best options for the redevelopment of the 4.5-acre parking lot.

“Through the support of a Smart Growth Grant given by the NAR, we were able to work closely with civic leaders and volunteers to transform both the site and the community,” she said.

TURNAROUNDS TAKE TIME

GREAT CITIES DO NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT

CREATING PLACE AND PROSPERITY REQUIRES PATIENCE

Now that improvements have been made, it is much safer to cross the Western Avenue corridor in South Bend, Ind. - thanks, in part, to the addition of wider sidewalks.

“Western Avenue has been a hub for the Latino community for 25 years.

With the corridor improvements, everything survived the pandemic.

If anything, more businesses got started in that area during or immediately post pandemic,” Centellas said.

Centellas said it is much safer to cross Western Avenue with the traffic calming and sidewalk improvements.

He said, for example, that his favorite Mexican restaurant is on one side of the street and his favorite paletas joint is on the other and now there’s no deterrent of dangerous traffic to deter him from visiting both the same day.

“It’s been almost a decade and today’s Western Avenue has a lot to offer.

There are several great Latinx restaurants, grocery stores, apparel shops,” he said, noting the city also made grants available for improving facades.

TURNAROUNDS TAKE TIME

GREAT CITIES DO NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT

CREATING PLACE AND PROSPERITY REQUIRES PATIENCE

“We were a test bed for what the smart streets initiative in South Bend was turning out,” Sam Centellas said.

“Western had two lanes in each direction. For that pop-up event weekend, we went to one lane in each direction with a center turn lane.

Now it’s permanent with one car lane each way, a center turn lane and on-street parking for the merchants.”

The NAR-funded event transformed the corridor with wider sidewalks, bike lanes, landscaping, live music, food vendors and a beer garden with outdoor seating.

According to an NAR Success Story article, retired South Bend Area REALTORS® CEO Myron Larimer concluded that “The Better Block Program pulled the local business community together and showed the city the area’s potential.”

Street and sidewalk improvements took place in three $2.5-million phases in 2015, 2016 and 2019.

TURNAROUNDS TAKE TIME

GREAT CITIES DO NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT

CREATING PLACE AND PROSPERITY REQUIRES PATIENCE

In Indiana in 2014, the South Bend Area REALTORS® was awarded an NAR Smart Growth Grant to fund a Better Block project to improve a two-block stretch of Western Avenue.

The pop-up event exceeded expectations and spurred enhancements for an 11-block commercial corridor, resulting in millions of dollars during the following five years.

The South Bend association partnered with organizations such as La Casa de Amistad, a longstanding community center, the Latin American Chamber of Commerce, and the city.

Sam Centellas, of OutSight Design and Consulting and a consultant that assists with community development funding in South Bend, was the executive director of La Casa De Amistad when the interventions took place.

TURNAROUNDS TAKE TIME

GREAT CITIES DO NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT

CREATING PLACE AND PROSPERITY REQUIRES PATIENCE

An additional NAR Placemaking grant helped rehabilitate a central downtown plaza where popular concerts are held.

Another enhanced the safety of the alleyway connecting the plaza to its parking lot, with new lighting and benches.

Laura Crowther, CEO of CCAR, said more open space and an attractive environment for families helps to recruit talent and to encourage the university graduates from the community to stay in their hometown.

“Like any other resort area, we thrive on hotels, restaurants and amusements — yet the folks that service those, the workforce, finds it difficult to find affordable housing,” she said.

“It’s not specifically out of the smart growth grants, but we are working with Habitat for Humanity and the city of Myrtle Beach on potential housing opportunities that are more affordable.

It’s all part of the focus on quality of life and placemaking.”

 

TURNAROUNDS TAKE TIME

GREAT CITIES DO NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT

CREATING PLACE AND PROSPERITY REQUIRES PATIENCE

The creation of a vibrant Arts and Innovation District in the urban center, detailed in Myrtle Beach’s master plan, came from the walkability study.

The City Council created a downtown Municipal Improvement District funded by an additional one-percent tax on businesses, which overwhelmingly supported it.

“We keep looking at safer pedestrian crosswalks, ways to enable walkability,” said Laura Crowther, CEO of CCAR.

“Sidewalks are one of the most impactful things in a city.

When our city administrator at the time was out on a walking tour, he was surprised that sidewalks were impassable in certain areas.

We emphasized that you have to have good sidewalks to provide accessibility for all.”

TURNAROUNDS TAKE TIME

GREAT CITIES DO NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT

CREATING PLACE AND PROSPERITY REQUIRES PATIENCE

In a coastal community where the year-round population of fewer than 40,000 swells into the millions during the summer, pedestrian safety is a big priority.

The report suggested infrastructure would improve not only the health and safety, but also the economic outlook of Myrtle Beach.

“The grant looked at walkability and bikeability and helped us identify what we had in place that just needed improvements.

In some places, it was simply clearing shrubs and limbs and maintaining proper sidewalks in others, it was looking for streets that can support a bike path,” said Laura Crowther, CEO of CCAR.

“Change takes time.

One of the best things we did was break it down into three parts — things we could accomplish right away, things in a three- to five-year plan and things that would take more than five.

It allowed us to prioritize, so we had success on the front end.”

TURNAROUNDS TAKE TIME

GREAT CITIES DO NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT

CREATING PLACE AND PROSPERITY REQUIRES PATIENCE

In 2016 in Myrtle Beach, S.C., the Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS® (CCAR) was awarded an NAR Smart Growth grant to support an in-depth walkability study that continues to inform local decisionmakers on infrastructure improvements.

“Over time, people moved away from the central hub of communities. 

Now we’re shifting back. 

This helps rebuild it in a sustainable way — something that addresses the mobility of people, not just traffic,” said Laura Crowther, CEO of CCAR.

“The beauty of it is when you’re actively involved in working in concert with elected officials and staff and looking for opportunities for the community.”

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GREAT CITIES DO NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT

CREATING PLACE AND PROSPERITY REQUIRES PATIENCE

Throughout the slow process, the organization has enjoyed support from three distinctively different mayoral administrations.

“We recognized it wouldn’t happen overnight,” Joe Rudemiller, vice president of Marketing & Communications at Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation, said of the effort to turn around two key parts of downtown.

“We picked one intersection and moved block by block, moving the momentum as things improved.

We had some trailblazers in our first restaurant spaces. They were incredible chefs, had great talent, but not the equity.

They turned into great success stories.”

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GREAT CITIES DO NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT

CREATING PLACE AND PROSPERITY REQUIRES PATIENCE

When Over-the-Rhine was making a comeback and homeownership was increasing, 3CDC launched a $48-million renovation of Washington Park, which had a history of drugs, prostitution and other ills.

Proceeds from a 450-space parking garage under the park helped finance its restoration.

The renovation added a water feature and other amenities as well as renewing the front lawn of historic Music Hall, which hosts opera, symphony, ballet, pops and other performing arts.

In less than two decades, 3CDC has overseen $1.7 billion in development while restoring more than 200 buildings and creating more than 1,000 apartments and more than 500 condos.

TURNAROUNDS TAKE TIME

GREAT CITIES DO NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT

CREATING PLACE AND PROSPERITY REQUIRES PATIENCE

“We started with a mixed-use development with a ground floor restaurant.

The sales of the upper floor condos go into the revolving fund, which in turn funds more redevelopment,” Joe Rudemiller, vice president of Marketing & Communications at Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation, said, noting that historic tax credits have been used frequently and to a lesser extent, low-income housing tax credits have funded some redevelopment.

Because 3CDC was moving patiently, it created an LLC for each purchase.

That kept speculators in the dark, so prices were not driven up before properties could be assembled to make meaningful change.

Work started in the heart of Over-the-Rhine.

The 3CDC wanted to improve a core area, rather than work on standalone properties scattered throughout its boundaries.

TURNAROUNDS TAKE TIME

GREAT CITIES DO NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT

CREATING PLACE AND PROSPERITY REQUIRES PATIENCE

Cincinnati’s downtown shut down at 5 p.m. while everyone scrambled home to the suburbs.

The 3CDC started programming lunch events, live music on Fridays and Saturdays, Salsa nights, Reggae nights — events to activate Fountain Square and other civic spaces.

Fountain Square underwent a $48-million renovation, funded by New Market Tax Credits, city funds, philanthropic support and Tax Increment Financing.

In Over-the-Rhine, the corporate community created an equity fund. One of the key tools is a revolving loan fund.

It allowed 3CDC to invest money into areas and buildings that were deemed too risky for conventional investors.