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72South Bend, INDesign Charrette March 2019Near Northwest Neighborhood Plan© 2019 Opticos Design Inc.Think Small and Think Big: Variety of Ideas Aim to TransformShort-term and Long-term TransformationsNot every transformation needs to happen at the same time or at a large scale to have a big impact. In the short term, small, feasible improvements can provide enough change to transform a dilapidated building, street, or business into a lively, attractive hub for activity. These small scale transformations can also catalyze larger scale transformation. Example of a Green AlleyExample of a reclaimed space and public realm improvementExample of a mural that was used as a short term improvement to a blank wall along a major pedestrian wayBeforeBeforeBeforeBeforeBeforeWith facade improvementsWith public realm improvementsWith reclaimed sidewalk spaceWith street improvementsWith green alleyWith reclaimed plaza spaceWith street and public space improvements■Green AlleysExisting alleys can be made into pedestrian-friendly paseos with parklets and studio space. These improvements attract more pedestrian activity and therefore provide additional informal monitoring of otherwise unsafe alleys.■Street and Public SpaceImprovementsWider sidewalks, medians, and parklets should be implemented along key corridors where pedestrian traffic is highest. These are spaces that allow pedestrians to congregate and enjoy a more comfortable and safe public realm.■Reclaimed SpaceSimple frontage improvements and long term reuse of unused space can provide a better pedestrian experience as well as valuable outdoor space for businesses. ■Public RealmImprovementsImprovements to the frontage area —where the building meets the sidewalk—can greatly improve the quality of the public realm: creating outdoor eating space, plantings, signage, benches, trees, paving.■Building FacadeImprovementsProperty owners can transform the pedestrian experience through various levels of facade improvements: opening up boarded windows, improving building signage, removing low awnings. Photo credit: www.sf-planning.org