Some subtle, some not so subtle.
All are pleasant, and often unexpected, surprises. Our friends at Downtown Huntsville, Inc. call them placemaking projects.
[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”44001″]
Placemaking is a way of transforming a public space into an experience.
If you’ve delightedly stumbled upon some of these neat experiences in Downtown Huntsville, then you know what placemaking feels like.
Here are 10 such Downtown experiences you can explore right now.
And note to self: more are coming soon. Stay tuned!
10 Quirky Downtown Huntsville Placemaking Projects
1. Secret Art Installation by Drop Metal – Find 4 space-inspired pieces all around Downtown.
2. Power Art Boxes on the Square – Designed and installed by City employees in the Signal Operations division.
3. Downtown Book Boxes – An amazing upcycle project that turned old Huntsville Times newspaper stands into free lending libraries. A great partnership between Downtown Huntsville, Inc, Arts Huntsville, the library and The Huntsville Times.
Bonus: This placemaking project won DHI a Pinnacle Award at the International Downtown Association.
4. Tie-Dyed outdoor seating at Sam & Greg’s Pizzeria on Northside Square – That patio just got a lot more fun!
5. Clinton Row Colorwalk – This is something new, located in the alley between U.G. White and Clinton Row, making the alley safer and more accessible. Check out the custom murals and bright colors.
6. CityLights on Clinton Avenue – These lights, presented by DealNews, are an amazing addition to Clinton Avenue and the new shops that are now popping up.
7. Washington Square “pop up” stage at Humphrey’s – This particular item on the list has been around for a while, but it’s a fantastic way to enjoy music on the patio every night of the week.
8. Upcoming “Park with a Purpose” pocket park – A project of Leadership Huntsville-Madison County, this little park is about to begin construction and transform into one of Downtown’s coolest public spaces.
9. Placemaking murals around Downtown – Local artists are making public art in Downtown Huntsville. Can you find them?
10. The Creative Corner on Westside Square – Another partnership with Arts Huntsville (check these guys out) is a creative way to showcase what’s happening around town.
As cooler seasonal temps approach (hopefully), now is a great time to explore Downtown and see how many of these quirky things you can find. And what new ones we didn’t list!! Tell us in the comments.
