Livable Lesson: Commercial District Design

In an effort to help commercial districts and local businesses survive and thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic, Main Street America, in collaboration with AARP Livable Communities, developed the Commercial District Design: COVID-19 Response and Management series. 

Published during the summer of 2020, the five PDF briefs equip community leaders with safe, equitable and age-friendly economic recovery strategies.

The Livable Lesson Videos on this page are based on the design briefs and feature Patrice Frey, the president and CEO of Main Street America and an expert in sustainability, economic development, commercial district revitalization and historic preservation. 

Main Street America, which counts more than 1,800 communities as members, is a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and has participated in the renewal of more than 2,000 older commercial districts nationwide.

Watch the subject-specific videos below, along with an overview and implementation video — or scroll down to see all seven segments compiled into one.

Overview: Commercial District Design Briefs
An introduction to how communities can support their downtown districts during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond

Lesson 1: How 'Open Streets' Spur Downtown Cohesion
Closing streets to cars and trucks is an easy way to create open public spaces that can encourage people to make connections

Lesson 2: Parklets and Pedlets Make Streets Come Alive
These temporary public spaces allow people to interact in a socially-distant manner and encourage them to support local businesses

Lesson 3: Commercial District Amenities and Infrastructure
Pedestrian-friendly streetlights, landscaping, art and outdoor furniture help make outdoor spaces welcoming

Lesson 4: Creative Approaches to Small Businesses
"This is the moment," says Patrice Frey, "when everyone needs to step up to support small businesses"