Downtown Entertainment & Cultural Organization Streetscape

What was the challenge?

The City of Binghamton’s Downtown Entertainment and Cultural Organizations District (DECO) is a multi-use, unified arts and cultural mixed-use neighborhood with several art galleries, theaters, restaurants, and home to the Broome County Arts Council. The City’s goal for this project was to create a unique identity for the district and improve pedestrian safety, environment, and experience to strengthen the existing arts anchors and create a dynamic and attractive public space. The challenge of this project was to work with the various stakeholders, including the Broome County Forum Theater, multiple art galleries, markets and cafes, and an expanding college student residential population to establish a unique identity for the district while meeting the City’s goals for pedestrian safety, sense of place, and identity to foster economic growth.

How did Barton & Loguidice provide a solution?

DECO District streetscape improvements included pedestrian improvements such as sidewalks, artful crosswalk treatments, and unique pedestrian amenities; traffic calming measures like curb extensions, raised crosswalks, and highly visible markings; complimentary street furnishing; landscape and street trees; wayfinding signage; and innovative accent lighting elements, including the use of artistic gateway signage and theatrical lighting fixtures that project specific themes. The new streetscape elements were themed around the “grassroots art” styles and movements that contributed to the DECO district’s distinctive character and sense of place.

Why was the project a success?

B&L provided planning, design, and construction services for the first phase of the DECO District Streetscape Improvements along State Street, the core of the arts district, funded by the Greater Binghamton Fund through the Regional Economic Development Council. To establish direction and consensus on the streetscape design, B&L collaborated extensively with the local arts community, project stakeholders, and community leaders to identify the primary district functions and needs to beautify the district, improve its infrastructure, and make the neighborhood a focus and destination. In addition, B&L worked closely with the local Commission on Architecture and Urban Design (CAUD) to ensure the character and aesthetics of the improvements were cohesive and complimentary to the area, which is part of the Henry-State Historic District.