DOWNTOWN FREDERICK MD
DEL RAY ALEXANDRIA VA
PHYSICAL Intentional, comprehensive street design & historic restoration
Strong on historic preservation of architecture, competitive real estate market, main street driven
Community driven programs & events, distinctive local business culture
High capacity network of neighborhood associations, but no official district management
BRANDING No visible brand identity specific to district; approach to marketing primarily word-ofmouth, with some basics like street banners and websites.
DOWNTOWN WHEELING WV
Poorly maintained infrastructure promotes DIY, grassroots revitalization
Local gov’t & chamber of commerce foster Main St. sidewalk culture, promote mixed-use historic urban fabric
Connected to trails & waterways; celebrating industrial past through placemaking; murals, new sculpture park
Vibrant local arts community are impacting physical & cultural environment
Many programs and festivals, inclusive art scene, active community of artisans & craftspeople
Beacon Arts is a high capacity non-profit; local & regional gov’t & business network are supportive
Anchor institutions, local arts & culture commission & downtown CDC demonstrate high capacity
Not visibly branded as arts district, but abundant public art and simple wayfinding signs contribute to rich Main Street experience. Internet-savvy Beacon Arts has well-branded programs: Second Saturdays, Beacon 3D, etc.
Plenty of online marketing, overlapping brands come through in wayfinding signs, street banners, fliers and more. Currently implementing a “community image campaign.”
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
ORGANIZATIONAL Strong district management by official coalition with state support
MAIN ST BEACON NY
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
CULTURAL Emphasis on small/local retail; Vibrant mix of festivals & programs
PENN AVE PITTSBURGH PA
Programming & events are core drivers of the corridor; inclusive atmosphere
CAPACITY Grassroots community management by core stakeholders (medium capacity)
& MARKETING
Strong neighborhood identity. Mount Vernon Ave.’s Art Deco look echoed graphically on visitdelary.com, street banners, various media. Neighborhood slogan: “Where main street still exists.”
An evolving, dynamic brand. Visible online presence and an occasional flier or pamphlet, but marketing is mostly word-ofmouth.