Penny for Your Thoughts

Lansing, MI Corridor Challenge

Along Michigan Avenue and Washington Square there are very few instances where businesses are able to utilize the space immediately outside of their buildings due to limited sidewalk frontage and on street parking. My idea is to construct a portable parklet that can be located in on street parking spaces in front of businesses to allow customers to gather, socialize, and utilize the outdoor space. Seating and tables will be provided in an innovative manner and will incorporate greenery and art into the design of the parklet to create an attractive and engaging destination. The installation will provide the opportunity for members and visitors to Lansing to engage and socialize outside while patronizing local businesses. The design of the parklet will allow for easy install and deconstruction and will be easily relocated to new locations throughout the community to ensure that one single entity is benefiting more than others from the attractive community space. It will also offer the opportunity to envision larger areas where the focus in less auto-centric and more centered on providing attractive and quality public spaces for socializing and positive community interaction.