Youngstown, Ohio

Extra-Large Toolkit Case Study – Main Street

As a shrinking city that has been completely reshaped over the past several decades, Youngstown is an excellent candidate for the extra-large toolkit to bring about lasting positive change for the downtown. Understanding that many foods and beverage businesses have left the stretch of downtown – the primary reason for the extra-large toolkit is to program more activity into the street.

Reclaiming the street parking for expanded sidewalks allows nimble shade structures to provide shade and structure for outdoor gatherings. These new shade structures also allow food trucks or carts to take up residence downtown and know that ample seating is available. Additionally, more street trees create shade and a sense of rhythm down the street. New murals on walls and the ground infuse color into an otherwise green or gray environment to add more color and moments of curiosity. More outdoor seating among the trees also creates respite areas for people to take a break and spend some time outdoors.