City of Brighton Streetscape Plan
What is the public realm and how does it impact a place?
In a downtown, the public realm includes all the spaces between buildings: streets, sidewalks, alleys and parks.
The public realm is the first thing downtown visitors see – and it’s often referred to as the “streetscape.” The condition and configuration of streets and sidewalks as well as appearance of street furniture and lighting contribute to a visitor’s impression of a downtown. And is often the thing they remember most
Waking up a tired streetscape
Brighton, Michigan has a vibrant Main Street with locally owned shops and restaurants. But its downtown streets and sidewalks are tired and in need of repair; a smattering of sidewalk clutter such as utility boxes, signs and other items leaves a chaotic impression and limits some downtown activities.
Overview of Downtown Brighton
With more people visiting (and living) downtown, its streetscape is getting some attention. And, frankly, it has seen better days.
In some areas, the condition of the road and its sidewalks detract from the visitor experience, whether in a car or on foot.
Uneven sidewalks and makeshift location for utilities can make navigating downtown challenging.
Sidewalk widths vary and limit outdoor dining for downtown restaurants. The placement of street lights and public signage also contributes to a disorganized feel.
And while people enjoy walking around downtown, it’s definitely time for a face-lift. In addition, more room is needed to accommodate additional pedestrian activities.
Where to begin? It all starts with a plan…
Find out how Giffels Webster solved the issues by planning a new streetscape for Brighton.