10 Steps to a Successful Urban Redevelopment Project

You’ve got a project with exceptional architecture, you’ve completed months of review and modification, your design team is sure this project will get significant notoriety. Yet after hours of going back and forth in City Council meetings, they ask you to cut the project in half, increase the setbacks, or just drop the project altogether.

Does this sound familiar?

Developing commercial and residential projects in urban areas require special care. While some urban areas are on the verge of new developments, misunderstanding and community opposition that can block even the best designs.

Taking Down Risks

You can reduce risks by taking a thoughtful approach to the process. Some residents and politicians demand programs be based on trust, openness, and consensus-building. This does not mean that you should compromise your design. Executing these ten important steps can result in strong design and a smooth process for everyone involved.

Consensus doesn’t mean that everyone agrees, it’s more about showing respect for different opinions, developing relationships, and identifying shared goals to establish a positive public opinion. This allows for the project to gain community and government acceptance. It’s important to nurture supporters and expose the extremists.

The following 10 points should be addressed:

1. Create the vision:

It’s about design, not density. Establish a vision early by connecting it to local settings and looking for ways to build partnerships. Good design attracts people, and it’s important to fit it into the community’s needs (if not residential property).

1. Know your market:

Do the homework necessary to understand the competition and the market forces that influence a project. Don’t go blindly into a project with no knowledge of the community or the locals. Get to know the history behind what you are trying to create and make sure to incorporate the atmosphere that is needed.

1. Understand the issues:

All communities have a set of unique characteristics and issues that guide their decisions. It’s essential to have a good understanding of the marketplace, environment, regional influences, and financial aspects. There is no single solution.

1. Get the public benefit:

Make the benefit for the city & community clear. No one is going to say yes easily if they aren’t sure of what you are trying to communicate.

1. Pay attention:

It’s important to give your attention to everyone who has a stake in the project. Have small discussion groups to get their feedback.

1. Establish trust:

Do this by sharing knowledge and listening carefully. Be honest, encourage participation from everyone, stay neutral and pursue win-win goals.

1. Inform decision-makers:

Meet one-on-one if necessary and provide solutions to educate and clear up any confusion with the decision-makers.

1. Use the media:

Take the high road and keep the message simple. Talk about helping the community.

1. Use uniqueness:

Incorporate the area’s physical social and historical environment into the design.

1. Be patient:

Listen carefully, provide guidance, establish credibility, and let the process grow.

By using these ten points, several revitalization plans have been completed in the face of strong initial community resistance. Guided by strong visions that have been established by working with city programs launched to solicit feedback and educate everyone has had a profound effect on the success of revitalization efforts.

Implementing major public and private improvements can convert old spaces into lively gathering places for community activity.