The Economic Impact of Streetscape Improvements

Listserv Thread April 2018

Question: Anyone have any handy data on how trees, flowers, benches, trashcans, pocket parks etc can increase sales or property taxes in a downtown? I must not be using the right google words because nothing is coming up and I know for fact I have seen this stuff somewhere.

Sarah O’Brien, Bastrop Hospitality & Downtown Department Director

Responses:

From Roger Brooks International (sent in by Cheri Bedford, Paris)

7-8-7 rule

70 % of first time sales arena result of curb appeal
80% of all spending happens by women in a pedestrian friendly environment
70% of sales happen after 6;00 pm

30% increase in sales just by curb appeal.

85% of all people make a decision on purchasing housing before they ever leave the car. Realtors know this...it's all about curb appeal.

From New York City Department of Transportation (sent in by Julie Glover, Denton)

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/dot-economic-benefits-of-sustainable-streets.pdf

“Those quantitative studies that do exist suggest that when streets within urban shopping districts are pedestrianized or receive streetscape enhancements the results are often positive, with businesses seeing increases in both the number of shoppers and in revenues. Similarly, the value of real estate increases so property owners benefit along with the retail tenants. The design quality of a street appears to contribute to these outcomes on its own, regardless of other factors, and simply improving street design can have a major impact on market values.17 In some cases changes manifest within the first few months to a year after a project is implemented but in other cases it may take longer.” P. 10

From i-Tree: Tools for Assessing and Managing Forest & Community Trees (sent in by Brad Patterson, THC)

https://www.itreetools.org/ may not qualify as handy but it’s a series of tools related to and including assigning economic value of trees.

STREETSCAPE GUIDELINES FOR HISTORIC COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS

May 2015 - Howard Langner, Main Street Architect

Providing a safe and pleasant streetscape environment is important but does not require the loss of historic context. Streetscape modifications can be accomplished while being sensitive to and enhancing local historic resources. Early and consistent consultation is the most effective way to assist the THC in providing a smooth and efficient review.

The following document outlines common issues and concerns related to the pursuit of properly enacted streetscape projects in your historic commercial Main Street district:

Texas Historical Commission Streetscape Guidelines [PDF]