How to Survive and Thrive During Construction | Main Street America
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Tres miembros del personal de Main Street America delante de un mural en Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

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Trabajamos en colaboración con miles de socios locales y líderes de base de todo el país que comparten nuestro compromiso de fomentar la prosperidad compartida, crear economías resistentes y mejorar la calidad de vida.

Visión general Quiénes somos Cómo trabajamos Colaboraciones de socios Nuestros colaboradores Nuestro equipo Oportunidades de empleo Póngase en contacto con nosotros
Dos miembros de la comunidad de Emporia Kansas posan con un cartel que dice "Soy un Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Nuestra red

Formadas por pueblos pequeños, comunidades de tamaño medio y distritos comerciales urbanos, las miles de organizaciones, personas, voluntarios y líderes locales que componen Main Street America™ representan la amplia diversidad que hace que este país sea tan singular.

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Dionne Baux y un socio de MSA trabajando en Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Recursos

¿Busca estrategias y herramientas que le ayuden en su trabajo? Sumérgete en el Centro de Recursos de Main Street y explora una amplia gama de recursos, entre los que se incluyen nuestro extenso Centro de Conocimientos, oportunidades de desarrollo profesional, ofertas de servicios sobre el terreno, apoyo a la promoción y mucho más.

Visión general Centro de conocimiento Servicios de campo Relaciones gubernamentales Conferencia Main Street Now Instituto Main Street America Funding Opportunities Apoyo a las pequeñas empresas Allied Member Services El punto Seguros Main Street Área de miembros
Personas en e-scooters en Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

Lo último

Su ventanilla única para conocer las últimas historias, noticias, eventos y oportunidades -incluidas subvenciones y programas de financiación- en Main Street.

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Mujer y niña en un puesto del festival en Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier - Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Participa

Únase a nosotros en nuestro trabajo para fomentar la prosperidad compartida, crear economías fuertes y mejorar la calidad de vida en los centros y distritos comerciales de los barrios.

Visión general Únete a nosotros Renueve su afiliación Donar Asóciese con nosotros Oportunidades de empleo
Tres miembros del personal de Main Street America delante de un mural en Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

Acerca de

Trabajamos en colaboración con miles de socios locales y líderes de base de todo el país que comparten nuestro compromiso de fomentar la prosperidad compartida, crear economías resistentes y mejorar la calidad de vida.

Visión general Quiénes somos Cómo trabajamos Colaboraciones de socios Nuestros colaboradores Nuestro equipo Oportunidades de empleo Póngase en contacto con nosotros
Dos miembros de la comunidad de Emporia Kansas posan con un cartel que dice "Soy un Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Nuestra red

Formadas por pueblos pequeños, comunidades de tamaño medio y distritos comerciales urbanos, las miles de organizaciones, personas, voluntarios y líderes locales que componen Main Street America™ representan la amplia diversidad que hace que este país sea tan singular.

Visión general Programas de coordinación Comunidades de Main Street Impacto colectivo Premios y reconocimientos Marco comunitario de evaluación Únete al movimiento
Dionne Baux y un socio de MSA trabajando en Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Recursos

¿Busca estrategias y herramientas que le ayuden en su trabajo? Sumérgete en el Centro de Recursos de Main Street y explora una amplia gama de recursos, entre los que se incluyen nuestro extenso Centro de Conocimientos, oportunidades de desarrollo profesional, ofertas de servicios sobre el terreno, apoyo a la promoción y mucho más.

Visión general Centro de conocimiento Servicios de campo Relaciones gubernamentales Conferencia Main Street Now Instituto Main Street America Funding Opportunities Apoyo a las pequeñas empresas Allied Member Services El punto Seguros Main Street Área de miembros
Personas en e-scooters en Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

Lo último

Su ventanilla única para conocer las últimas historias, noticias, eventos y oportunidades -incluidas subvenciones y programas de financiación- en Main Street.

Visión general Noticias Eventos y oportunidades Suscríbase a
Mujer y niña en un puesto del festival en Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier - Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Participa

Únase a nosotros en nuestro trabajo para fomentar la prosperidad compartida, crear economías fuertes y mejorar la calidad de vida en los centros y distritos comerciales de los barrios.

Visión general Únete a nosotros Renueve su afiliación Donar Asóciese con nosotros Oportunidades de empleo
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A streetscape improvement project in progress with heavy machinery working on a downtown street

Construction projects are important for the long-term success of your Main Street, but they can cause many short-term headaches. © Grant Harper

Streetscape construction can be challenging for any downtown district, but with careful planning and collaboration, it can also be an opportunity for growth and improvement. Main Street directors are crucial in navigating these projects, ensuring businesses survive and thrive despite disruptions. Here are some best practices to help you lead your community through a successful streetscape construction project.

Building Relationships and Getting Organized

Build a Strong City/​Main Street Partnership

A strong relationship between your Main Street program and the city is key to a successful streetscape construction project. Start by assembling a team that includes city communications, city engineers, city planning, the parks department, and other relevant city staff. Here are some considerations:

  • Feedback from Businesses: Understanding the impact of construction on businesses is important. If the project is delayed, is the business community open to construction crews working nights, Saturdays, or during the holiday season? While this might disrupt business, it could expedite the project. It is important to secure local business buy-in early and when changes are.
  • Historical Building Considerations: Historic buildings often present surprises during construction. Collaborate with the city to inspect properties, particularly basements and utilities. Provide property owners with contact information and discuss how the city can support them during the project.
  • Vibration Monitoring: For areas with brick structures, consider vibration monitoring to ensure the construction doesn’t negatively impact the buildings.
  • Involvement in the Bid Process: Advocate for involvement in the contractor selection process. Building relationships with construction managers and worksite crews is crucial to the project’s success.
  • Learning from Past Projects: Has the city completed similar projects? Leverage their experience, lessons learned, and any marketing materials or promotions that could be adapted for your project.
  • Alleyway Management: If businesses need to shift their entrances to back alleys, collaborate with the city to clean up and prepare these areas. Also, make sure the buildings’ rear entrances are ready to receive customers.

Create a Main Street Liaison Contract

Large-scale projects can be time-consuming and drain resources from your Main Street program. Consider proposing a contract with the city to ensure that your organization is included in the construction budget. This not only protects your organization’s time but also sets clear expectations. Streetscape construction can lead to the loss of up to 30% of businesses, so it’s in the city’s best interest to support the business community during this time. For example, the contract could provide funding to hire additional staff to handle the increased workload.

Understand the Engineering Plans

Even if you’re not an engineer, thoroughly reviewing construction documents is essential. Consider these factors:

  • Impact on Historic Signage: Ensure new street trees or other elements don’t block important features like theater marquees.
  • Event Planning Coordination: Engage community event planners early to identify areas that will need new or upgraded water, electricity, and other amenities.
  • Outdoor Seating and Accessibility: Assess the possibility of expanding sidewalks for outdoor seating, ADA parking, EV charging stations, and more. Ensure that all these elements are included in the plans.
  • Utility Management: Ensure that utility installations, like gas meters, are placed in locations that don’t detract from the district’s historic charm.

Explore Cost Share Options for Building Owners

Work with the city to explore cost-sharing options for infrastructure improvements. Building owners might be assessed for upgrades, such as additional water lines, sewer improvements, or fire suppression systems. Discuss tax incentives for ADA improvements and fire suppression systems with property owners and prepare this information for your meetings with them. Now is a great time for building owners to invest.

Craft a Communication Plan

Work closely with the city’s communications department to develop a communication plan. It’s important to divide responsibilities clearly. Some examples include:

  • Main Street as the Business Liaison: Your program might serve as the primary contact for businesses, while the city could handle weekly updates.
  • Media Coordination: Decide who will coordinate with the media, give interviews, and manage public messaging.
  • Positive Messaging: Encourage businesses to stay positive and avoid negativity in front of customers. Provide businesses with talking points to help them stay on message. This attitude can help maintain a thriving environment even during construction.
Photo of a downtown street with construction signs and a cartoon traffic cone

Fun branding can help ease the sting of a construction project while keeping people informed. © Uptown Marion

The Pre-Construction Phase

Host Pre-Meetings

Organize pre-meetings with business and building owners to address their concerns and gather input. This is the time to answer key questions like ​“When?” and ​“For how long?” Offering options, such as a longer phased construction versus a shorter, more intense period, can help build consensus and create project ambassadors.

Understand Timelines

Advocate for a construction timeline that minimizes business disruption. While infrastructure needs may dictate the phasing, ensure that business impacts are considered. Regular meetings with city staff and contractors are crucial for keeping the project on schedule and communicating any changes promptly.

Manage Parking During Construction

Parking can be a contentious issue during construction. Develop a plan for where business owners, employees, customers, construction workers, and delivery vehicles should park. Create district maps for each phase of construction that clearly show street closures and parking locations. Consider temporary signage and parking restrictions to guide the flow of traffic.

Combine Archaeology and Community Engagement

Construction can unearth unique artifacts in historic districts. Coordinate with the city and construction contractors to allow archaeological exploration. Share any found items with the community through social media and local museums. This can create positive attention and community pride during the project.

Hire a Designer for a Graphics Package

First impressions matter. Invest in high-quality marketing designs and slogans to keep the construction area in mind for customers. Consider creating a mascot like ​“Kenny the Cone” to engage the community at events. Use QR codes for frequently changing information and develop positive taglines such as:

  • “You’re going to DIG what we’re doing.”
  • “Our town is getting an upgrade!”
  • “Please pardon our mess, progress ahead!”
  • “Construction in progress; businesses open as usual!”

Equip businesses with personalized signage to maintain a consistent and professional image throughout the project.

Maintain Accurate Records for Communication

Maintaining up-to-date records of business owners, building owners, and residents is essential. Ensure you have direct contact information and preferred methods of communication. In case of emergencies, you’ll want to reach decision-makers quickly. Building these relationships early will facilitate smoother communication during the project.

Pamphlets, handouts, and other paper materials providing updates on an ongoing construction project

Make sure to keep people informed with regular updates on the project. © Uptown Marion

The Construction Phase

Keep Events Downtown

Don’t let construction scare away your downtown events. Develop a plan that accommodates events during construction and highlights the importance of keeping them in the district. If you lose events, use this time to create new, construction-themed events that engage the community and bring attention to the ongoing improvements.

Hold Regular Meetings and Keep Open Communication

Hold regular meetings with business and building owners during construction. This will keep everyone informed and provide a forum for addressing issues directly with project leadership. You can also use these meetings to distribute updated posters and flyers, and reinforce the importance of positive communication.

Use Effective Signage and Marketing

Prepare road signage and marketing materials in advance. Identify areas for signage, both large and small, to guide customers during street closures. Create eye-catching marketing campaigns and work with media partners to share positive stories. Consider creative ideas like:

  • Touch a Truck Events: Host events where children can explore construction vehicles.
  • Survival Kits: Distribute kits to businesses, including treats, stress-relief items, and customized signage.
  • Pardon Our Mess Dollars: Offer gift cards to businesses to diffuse frustrated customers and encourage positive interactions.
  • Influencer Engagement: Partner with local influencers or celebrities for positive marketing campaigns.
  • Story Walks and Artifact Displays: Collaborate with local institutions to create engaging community activities during construction.

Manage Media Relations

Have candid conversations with media partners about the impact of negative press. Work to keep coverage positive but realistic and push out great stories and press releases to trusted partners who can help convey your message to the public.

Foster Positivity

Encourage businesses to maintain a positive attitude. Remind them that customers are less likely to return if they encounter negativity. Offer your office as a place for business owners to vent if needed, but emphasize the importance of keeping customers focused on the project’s positive aspects. Promote specials, construction-themed events, and creative marketing ideas that keep customers engaged.

Downtown streetscape with a pocket park, bike racks, benches, and decorative overhead lighting

Streetscape projects are difficult, but they can greatly impact your downtown. © Fisheye Photography

From Surviving to Thriving

Once construction is complete, celebrate with a community-wide event. A ribbon-cutting ceremony, time capsules, or themed treats are all great ways to thank the community and the project supporters for working with you on the project. And make sure to take some time to celebrate yourself as well!

Managing streetscape construction requires careful planning, open communication, and a positive attitude. By following these best practices, Main Street directors can lead their communities through construction challenges and emerge stronger with a revitalized downtown streetscape that benefits businesses and residents alike.

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