THE SQ’s Post

Join me as we evolve as an organization and reshape the future of downtown. Business leaders and community leaders, let’s activate positive change. Read more in my viewpoint with the Pittsburgh Business Times. #downtown #pittsburgh #leadership

Imagine a downtown where interesting and beautiful places keep you wanting to walk further, to see more and experience all of the diverse activity that surrounds you; (kinda like the feeling you had the first time you visited City Museum). I envision a place where people would prefer to not have a car when living in or visiting downtown because of how it takes away from the vibrant experience and sense of adventure one gets just from being there. What if we rebuilt downtown to be a fully livable, self-sustaining community that has everything one needs for a happy and healthy life, (like groceries, parks, schools, jobs, etc.) all without ever needing to get into a car? But let's not stop there. What if we built a place that was truly invigorating... a place that daily inspires creativity and sparks the innovative and creative juices waiting to be unlocked in each of our brains? We can use lessons learned from neuroscience to inform how we create such a place that stimulates our neurons. We can even tap into the brain hacks that gaming and social media companies have used to design this place by creating a compulsion loop that: 1. triggers interest, 2. provokes action (i.e., walking one more block, checking out a store/event/piece of art, etc.), 3. provides a variable reward (things change and you never know what you will experience from one day to the next), and 4. entices an investment (time, money, talent, etc.) back into the community so that each resident or visitor can leave their finger print on the place - which then triggers the interest of the next person. Let's not make the mistake of thinking that we need to build back what once was, (i.e., a central business district where people come for their 9-5 and little else). Downtown hitting "rock bottom" is our chance to build something entirely new and different. It's time to think outside the box. Please share your thoughts in the comments below. Let's start a discussion!

In my latest story about downtown Spencerport, I share a link to the Ogden Comprehensive Plan. Read this at https://lnkd.in/eCxmehqF

Here's what influential Birmingham leaders expect to see at Brookwood Village in the future.

Deansgate Square positioning on the New Jackson Estate Manchester is where I call home! The views and the sunsets never fail to cheer me up

Manhattan New york

Manhattan New York

Not for or against this idea. Just thinking it through from a #marketdemand perspective. Is #induceddemand the driving theory behind this proposal? If #visitor-driven, how will location relate to where most downtown #hotel rooms are located (ie. towards #UnionSquare)? We’re working on #downtown #masterplans across the #unitedstates right now, so interested to see how this evolves and if it’s a model for other cities. #retailresilience #communitydesign #economicdevelopment #downtownrecovery #sanfrancisco #retail #foodandbeverage

A global hub, a sister city, and a “big city with a small-town feel,” Chicago’s essence remains unshakable. The 6-time champions city. The ‘85 Bears city. The 2005 World Series Champs city. The city that broke a century-old curse. The Stanley Cup city. 4-time MLS Champs town. The WNBA champions city. Chicago is a city of champions with a winning mentality. How do we sustain that mentality? How do we continue to succeed? We succeed by uniting to focus on what truly matters to our residents and by making Chicago a city people aspire to call home. Whether they come from another city, state, or country, Chicago should continue to be a beacon for those striving to build a better life for themselves and their families. With its abundant fresh water, vibrant air and rail system, remarkable architecture, rich art and culture, and ample green spaces, Chicago’s strengths far outweigh its challenges. Yet, our challenges offer us a unique opportunity to come together and find solutions. How can we do it? By focusing on fixing the fundamentals. Link in comments. 👇

Here's what influential Birmingham leaders expect to see at Brookwood Village in the future.