Local downtown revitalization organizations and governments often undertake surveys and studies designed to allow them to make choices based on as much hard data as possible.  Often, those surveys point to the need to make stores, eateries, attractions and amenities as easy-to-find as possible.  This is commonly known as “wayfinding.”

This Summer, in fact, two Ohio communities find themselves in a downtown planning frame of mind, and each is looking at ways to improve wayfinding.

In Norwalk, for instance, the local Main Street program brought in twenty students from nearby Ashland University, who conducted over 150 individual surveys of consumers and business owners.  The results reinforced the idea that the streetscape has contributed to a positive image for the downtown, however it also highlighted a real issue -- the fact that despite an abundance, consumers actually believe that there is a lack of available parking.  While not an uncommon observation for a small-town Ohio downtown, this has given Norwalk an opportunity to concentrate efforts on leading consumers to those open  spaces.

It has been a year since Chillicothe learned the results of a comprehensive downtown revitalization plan unveiled by Hyatt-Palma, a consulting firm hired by the community.  That study set out a very involved, five-year plan of action designed to bring renewed economic activity to downtown. This evening, the community is coming together for a “Town Hall” meeting to review the status of revitalization activities.

One key Hyatt-Palma recommendation was to improve wayfinding for potential visitors to downtown Chillicothe.  Local civic leaders were pleased recently when ten years’ work resulted in the erection of signage on US23 leading visitors to downtown.  Business leaders are now looking at ways to further orient those potential consumers to specific downtown locations, either through signage or by banners.

Photo: Downtown sign -- The Wandering Angel/Creative Commons License