BUILD A BETTER BLOCK

COVER

A GUIDE TO

PLANNING AND ORGANIZING

A BETTER BLOCK

Build a Better Block: A Guide to

Planning & Organizing a Better Block ............3

What is Better Block? ..................................... 4

Better Block Case Study ................................. 6

Why a Better Block? ....................................... 6

Better Block Costs .......................................... 7

What an $8,000 Better Block Looks Like ........ 7

Team Better Block Consulting ........................ 8

Better Block Schedule & Plan ......................... 9

Identify & Outreach to Partners ................. 9

 DeneProject&SelectaSite .................. 10

 BetterBlockSurvey .................................. 12

Conduct a Community Meeting

& Keynote ................................................. 13

 KeynoteinNewOrleans .......................... 14

 OrganizeaWalkingTour

&BrainstormingSession .......................... 15

 SetaDate ................................................ 15

 Sign-upVolunteers

& Coordinate Teams ................................ 15

 DevelopConceptPlan ............................. 16

 Activities&Programming ........................ 17

Promote & Market ........................................21

 OutreachtoPropertyOwners .................. 23

Codes & Insurance ................................... 23

 SecurePermits ......................................... 23

 ProcureMaterials,Prep&Pre-Build ......... 24

 Set-up&FinalLogistics ............................ 25

 Document,Measure&Evaluate .............. 26

 DevelopPolicies&UpdateZoning

for Permanent Changes ........................... 27

Appendix ....................................................... 28

 TeamBetterBlockTools&Resources ...... 28

 Budget:TypicalScope

ofTeamBetterBlockServices .................. 29

 SiteSelection:BetterBlockSiteSurvey ... 32

Partner Outreach:

Partner Questionnaire .............................. 33

 VolunteerOutreach:

TeamAssignment&VolunteerSignUp ... 34

 ConceptPlanExample ............................. 35

 BetterBlockWorkshops:

Prep&Pre-Build ....................................... 36

 Set-up&Logistics:

ScheduleofEvents&MapsExample ...... 42

 Set-up&Logistics:

TrafcControlPlanExample .................... 43

Measurement ........................................... 44

 Evaluate ................................................... 49

 CompleteStreetsDesignExample .......... 52

 BetterBlockResources ............................ 53

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BUILD A BETTER BLOCK

A Guide to Planning & Organizing a Better Block

Therearedowntownsandcommercialcorridorsinalmosteverycommunitythatare

inneedofajumpstarttohelpthembecomethegreatplacestheyoncewereby

transformingthemintowalkablecommunitiesandvibrantdestinationsforresidents

andvisitorsalike.Canyouthinkofanyneighborhoodsthattthisbillinyour

community?

THENATIONALASSOCIATIONOFREALTORS

encourages REALTOR

Associations

andREALTORS

,tobecomeengagedintheircommunitiestomakethembetter

placestoliveandwork.TheREALTOR

Partyoffersresources,funding,training

andtechnicalassistancetosupportourREALTOR

Associations in their community

outreach efforts.

BetterBlockisonetypeofprojectinwhichREALTOR

Associationscanbecome

engagedintheircommunitiesandpartnerwithotherstoinitiatetherevitalization

ofadowntownorcommercialcorridor.Yourassociationcantaketheleadinyour

communitytohelpturnthingsaround.

NAR’s SmartGrowthActionGrantcanbeusedtohelpfundaBetterBlockproject.

Aftertheprojectiscompleted,thePlacemakingMicro-grantcanbeusedtocreate

vibrantcommunitygatheringplaceslikepocketparksandgardensfollowedbya

HousingOpportunityGranttoaddressaffordablehousingchallengesinthe

neighborhood.

ThreelocalREALTOR

Associations—HamptonRoadsAssociationofREALTORS

(VA),

GreaterSouthBend-MishawakaAssociationofREALTORS

(OR)andtheNewOrleans

MetropolitanAssociationofREALTORS

(NOMAR)(LA)—havecompletedBetterBlock

projectsintheircommunities.Andtheireffortscontinue.ThecityofNorfolk,VA,has

heldathirdBetterBlockprojectandhasadedicatedwebsitepage.ThecityofSouth

Bend,OR,hasaskedtheGreaterSouthBend-MishawakaAssociationofREALTORS

tomakeaBetterBlockeventanannualevent.AndNOMARisplanningasecond

BetterBlock.

“Better Block is an excellent program and has the ability to jumpstart development

and excite a community about the possibilities for underutilized areas.”

Andrew Sinclair, former Government Affairs Director,

Hampton Roads REALTORS

Association, VA.

ThisdocumentisanoverviewofBetterBlocktohelpyou,alongwithyourpartners,to

planandorganizeaBetterBlock.

WHAT IS BETTER BLOCK?

BetterBlockisaprocessthatempowerscommunitiesandtheirleaderstoreshapethe

builtenvironmentstopromotethegrowthofhealthyandvibrantneighborhoods.

Itdemonstratesthepotentialofan

areawith“temporarytreatments”(i.e.

painting,bikelanesandparklets)to

vacantbuildings,underusedstreets

andpublicspaces.Thistemporary

transformationprovidesawayfor

residentsandcommunityleaders

toparticipateintheprocess.Italso

helpstoconvincepublicofcials,

stakeholders,lendersandproperty

ownersofthepotentialofanarea.

Thinkofitasadressrehearsalfor

change.

BetterBlockisanalternativetotraditionalplanningprocesses,whichcanbelongand

boring;involveendlesspublicandcommitteemeetings;andcausestrifeamongst

stakeholdersandresidents.

BetterBlockhasreplacedthetypicalpublicmeetingandarchitecturalrenderings

processinmorethan100communitiesaroundthecountryandinternationally.

BetterBlockprojectshaveapositiveimpactontherealestatemarket.InNorfolk,VA

morethan$20millioninrealestatetransactionshaveoccurredsinceaBetterBlockin

2011.OneofthesetransactionsevenoccurredduringtheBetterBlockeventitself.

“Better Block is speed dating for future investors, developers and business

proprietors to meet and test ideas out in real time.”

Andrew Howard, Team Better Block.

BetterBlockisnotalong,drawn-outprocess.Ithappensquickly:

MonthOne:Identifyaoneblocklocation

MonthTwo:DevelopaConceptPlanbasedoncommunityinput

MonthThree:buildouttheconceptplanwiththecommunityanddemonstratepotential

Better Block Case Study

 Binghamton,TN,isaneighborhoodofMemphis.Inrecentyears,Binghamton’spopulationhas

declined30percent,10to14percentofitshomesarevacantanditisundergoinganincrease

inneighborhoodblight.LivableMemphis,aprogramoftheCommunityDevelopmentCouncil

ofGreaterMemphis,sawanopportunitytoconnectseveralgreatassetsinthesurrounding

neighborhoodswithatwo-milebicyclepath,TheHampline,tobringtrafctothearea.Butrst,

revitalizationeffortswereneededtochangeBinghamton’simageasablightedandcrime-ridden

area.Tojumpstartthepre-revitalizationprocessandovercomeperceptions,LivableMemphis

joinedforceswiththeBroadAvenueArtsDistrict,theBinghamtonDevelopmentCorporation,

andtheownerofananchorbusiness,TCliftonArts,toutilizeatacticalurbanismtoolfromDallas,

TexascalledBuildaBetterBlock.Forasingleweekend,theprojecttransformeddesolateBroad

Avenueintoathrivingcommercialdistrict,withprotectedbikelanesandculturalprogramming.

Overthenextyear,theareasaw$2.5millioninprivateinvestment,andinthenextthreeyears,

morethan$18million.Bythefourthyear,thecommercialdistricthada95percentoccupancy.

TakealookatthisshortvideooftheBetterBlockinSanAntonio,TX,togiveyouabetterideaofwhat

happensduringaBetterBlock.

WHY A BETTER BLOCK?

TherearemanyreasonstohaveaBetterBlock.Afewofthesereasonsaswellaspotentialoutcomesare

outlinedbelow.Ifyouthinkaneighborhoodinyourcommunitycouldbenetfromoneormoreofthese

outcomes,youmightwanttoconsideraBetterBlockproject.

 •Improvesandrevitalizesunderusedproperties

 •Highlightsthepotentialforcreatinggreat“complete

streets”and“walkablecommunities”

 •Createspop-upretailopportunities

• Initiates infrastructure changes

 •Createsparklets,greenandopenspaces

 •Enhancespedestriansafety

 •Updatesandenhanceszoningandlandusepolicies

 •Initiatesnewdevelopment:mixed-use,commercialand

residential

 •Enhancesstreetscapes

 •Testsideas:temporarytopermanent

 •Encouragespeopletovisitareainsteadofavoiding

 •MakesareaadestinationIntroducespedestrian&bike-friendlyconcepts

 •Re-engineersandre-programsstreets,sidewalks,properties,andspacesforsafety,shared

amenitiesandstayingpower

 •Createsopportunitiestosellandleasevacantproperties

 •Encouragesvendorstoopennewbusinesses

“A good start…worthy of repeating every year.” Dan Blacharski, Marketing Vice President, Drewry’s

Brewing on the South Bend Better Block sponsored by the Greater South Bend-Mishawaka Association of

REALTORS

(OR)

“We would really like to see local investment and the little things, like more people coming out

here for dinner and knowing that the West Side is an option for them to come out and eat. We

want Western Avenue to be a destination.” Sam Centellas, Executive Director, LaCasa

de Amistad on the South Bend Better Block sponsored by the Greater South Bend-Mishawaka Association

of REALTORS

BETTER BLOCK COSTS

ThecostsofaBetterBlockwillvarydependingonhowbigyourplansare;howmanypartners

andvolunteersyouhave;whattypeofactivitiesandamenitiesyouoffer;howmanydonations

andin-kindservicesyoureceive;andwhetheryouareableto“do-it-yourself”orneedtohirea

consultant.

• Basic Budget:AsimpleBetterBlockprojectcanbedonewithabudgetofafewthousand

dollars.But,remember,ifthereisalimittofunds,youwillneedmorepeoplewhoare

availableandreadytodonatetheirtimeandresources.Youwillneedtobeg,borrowand

build.Andyou’llneedtogetpartnercommitmentsandvolunteerparticipation.Baseline

costsoftheproject,suchaspermits,rentalsandmaterialsshouldcostaround$3,000.

• A Step Up:Ifyouhaveaccesstoadditionalfundingviagrants,donationsandpartner

resources,youwillbeabletoaddmoreamenitiesandactivitiessuchasadditional

landscaping,buildingfaçadeimprovements&painting,musicforentertainment,specialty

pop-ups,videorecordingofevent;evaluationandreporting.Youmaynowbelookingat

abudgetupto$10,000ormore.

What an $8,000 Better Block Looks Like

TheOldTown/ChinatownRevitalizationBetterBlockProjectinPortland,OR,builtsidewalkcafe

seating,protectedbikelanesandapedestrianplaza.Aconceptplanwascreatedwiththehelpof

theFatPencildesignteamandNickFalboofAltaPlanning,abikelanedesigner.Thegroupgave

themselvesamonthtocreatefourblocksworthofmaterials,including150planterboxestocarve

outtheprotectedbikelaneandpedestrianplaza.TheteamcleanedouttwoHomeDepot

stores

worthofAstroTurf®fortheproject.Withsomanymaterials,thegroupstillkepttheproject

budgetaround$8,000,whichtheycoveredwiththehelpofsponsorswhosteppeduptosupport

theproject.Nowthattheyhaveallthetoolsandpropsfromthisproject,futureprojectswillbe

cheaper.Theyalsohadalargenumberofvolunteersstedonatetheirtime,startingwiththreeatthe

verybeginningoftheprojectandendingwithmorethan30.Volunteersworkedeveryeveningin

theweeksleadinguptotheprojecttocompletetheplantersintimeforthedemonstrationthis

weekend.

TEAM BETTER BLOCK CONSULTING

TeamBetterBlockcanassistREALTOR

Associationsandtheirpartners,includingcitiesand

communityorganizations,withtheplanning,organizing,communityoutreach,logisticsandmeasuring

theimpactsofaBetterBlock.Dependingontheservicesyouneed,consultingfeescanrangefrom

$3,000to$50,000.TeamBetterBlockhasavarietyofservicesthatwillelevatethesuccessofyour

project.KeynoteandCommunityPresentation:Bestpracticesfromthemorethan100projects.

• Community Walk:IdentiestheblockswiththebestpotentialforaBetterBlock.

• Site Selection:Assistsintheselectionoflocationsboundtosucceed.

• Build Workshops:Organizesshortworkshopsforvolunteerstomeetandbuildtogether.

• Concept Plan Development:Designsaplanandplacemakingelementsthatcanbe

achievedindaysnotyears.

• Event Management:Coordinatesset-upandlogisticsfromconcepttocompletion.

• Documentation and Evaluation:Providesassistancetomeasureoutcomesbecauseifyou

donotcountitanddocumenttheresults,itisnotworthdoing.

• Policy Development:TranslatestheBetterBlockdemonstrationintopolicyforlongterm

changes.

Tool: SeebudgetdetailsintheAppendix.

Team Better Block Budget Tips:

 •Rememberthatifyouwantcreativity,takeawayazerofromyourbudget.Often

timesgroupsgetstiedbythelackoffunds,butsincetheprojectisademonstra-

tion,youcanoftenborrowthemajorityoftheitemsneededfortheproject.

  •Ifmorefundingisrequired,useindiegogo.com or ioby.orgtosetupacrowdfundto

helpwiththeeffort.

Better Block Budget Estimates:

 •RightofWayeventpermittingwiththeCity-$50

 •Trafccontrolandstreetscapebuffers-$200

 •Eventinsurance-$150

 •Marketing-$100

 •Sitecleanup-$50

 •Volunteerlunch-$100

 •Materialrental-$500

 •VideoRecording-$500

 •Communityengagementinstallation-$100

 •Protectedstreetscapebuffers-$100

 •Signageandway-nding-$100

 •Lendinglibrary-$100

 •Publicseating-$100

 •Pocketpark-$100

BETTER BLOCK SCHEDULE & PLAN

Timeline:PlanningtoEvent:3monthsorless

HerearethemajortaskstoconductforaBetterBlock.Youdonotneedtogointheorderas

listedbelow,and,maywanttohaveteamsworkonsomeofthetasksatthesametime.

Month 1

• Identify and Outreach to Partners

 •DeneProjectandSelectSite

• Conduct a Community Meeting and Keynote

 •OrganizeaWalkingTourandBrainstormingSession

Month 2

 •Sign-upVolunteersandCoordinateTeams

 •DevelopConceptPlan

 •OutreachtoPropertyOwners

 •SecurePermits

 •Promote&Market

Month 3 and During/After

 •ContinuetoMarketandPromote

 •ProcureMaterials,PrepandPrebuild

 •SetupandFinalLogistics

 •Document,MeasureandEvaluate

 •DevelopPoliciesandUpdateZoning

Identify & Outreach to Partners

YoucannotconductaBetterBlockalone.Youwillneedthesupport,commitment,participationand

resourcesoflocalstakeholders,residents,partnersandvolunteers.

YoumaywanttostartwithafewkeypartnerstoseeifthereisanyinterestinaBetterBlock.Atthistime,

youmayormaynothaveaneighborhoodinmindfortheproject.Ifnot,partnerscanaddvaluable

insightandhistoryofanarea.Ifyoudohaveaneighborhoodinmind,youmaywanttomakesure

youareabletogetthesupportofatleasttwopartnerswhohaveavestedinterestinrevitalizingthe

neighborhoodbeforemovingaheadwiththeproject.

Animportantpartnerisusuallyaneighborhood-basednon-protorganizationwhohasaproventrack

recordinthecommunity.Thisorganizationwillbecometheleadorganization.Residentsneedtotrust

thisorganizationandnotlookatthemas“outsiders.”YoumaywanttoseeifthereisalocalMainStreet

organization,NeighborWorksorganization,CommunityDevelopmentCorporation,orDevelopment

Organization,thatwantstotakethelead.

“Better Block will not be successful if it appears to be run by REALTORS

or any other

outside group dictating their vision to the community.”

Andrew Sinclair, former Government Affairs Director, Hampton Roads REALTORS

Association (VA).

Oncetheleadorganizationisselected,youwillalsoneedthesupportandresourcesof

additionalpartners.Hereareafewplacestostart:

 •Universitiesandcollegesespeciallythosewithurbanplanningandarchitectprograms

 •Organizersofexistingeventsthathappeninthearea(funruns,cyclovias,artcrawls,food,

artandmusicfestivals)

 •Cultural,civic,andhistoricalorganizations

 •Localartists,musiciansandartorganizations

 •Non-prothousingdevelopers

 •Faith-basedorganizations

 •Eventcoordinators

 •Bicycleadvocacyorganizations

 •Urbanfarminggroups

 •Foodtruckpurveyors

 •Farmtomarketrestaurants

 •Localcommunitymarkets(Etsygroups,farmersmarkets,etc.)

 •Propertyowners

 •Localbusinesses

 •ChambersofCommerce

 •Propertyowners:YoucannothaveaBetterBlockwithoutpropertyownerbuy-in.

 •Governmentofcials:Youwillneedtoregularlymeetwithgovernmentofcialsandstaff

andgetbuy-infromthemastheprojectprogresses.

ForasuccessfulBetterBlock,youwillneedtorallyandgetbuy-infromstakeholders,community

residentsandorganizationsandcivicparticipation.

“Community business associations and civic leagues make natural partners. There also needs

to be an existing residential community within walking distance; it doesn’t have to be large, but

enough to establish a natural constituency. This local group should set the vision and challenge

participants to look to the future, not just what the area used to be.”

Andrew Sinclair, former Government Affairs Director, Hampton Roads REALTORS

Association (VA).

Tool: UsetheQuestionnaireintheAppendixtodeterminethetypeofcommitmentfromapartner.

Dene Project & Select a Site

Youmayalreadyhaveidentiedaneighborhoodtorevitalizebeforeyoucontactedanypartners.Thatis

neaslongasyouareabletoyourpartners’agreement,supportandparticipationintheproject.

However,ifyouandyourpartnershavenotidentiedaneighborhoodforaBetterBlock,ndingoneor

twolocationsisthenextthingtodo.Ifseveralneighborhoodsareunderconsideration,orifyoufounda

neighborhood,butarenotquitesureoftheexactlocationforaBetterBlock,youcanusetheinformation

belowtohelpyou.Youmayalsowanttogettheinputofthecommunitytohelpyoudecide.

Typicallyneighborhoodsbuiltpre-wararegoodpossibilities.Thecentralcoreshouldbeinclose

proximitytoresidentialhousingasthiswillbethecommunitywhowillbenetthemostandwill

determinewhattheywhattheirneighborhoodtobecome.

Youshouldalsofocusonareaswherethereareseveralbuildingsforleaseorforsale.

Ideally,thereshouldbeatleasttwospacesavailableinvacantbuildings.Onespacewill

serveasaBetterBlocklabandbuildspace.Thisiswherethevolunteerscanmeet,store

materialsandcompleteconstruction.

“Sites should have empty storefronts, not just underutilized

spaces, but also have a few key established, anchor businesses.”

Andrew Sinclair, former Government Affair s Director,

Hampton Roads REALTORS

Association (VA).

Theareashouldcurrentlynotbea“destination”wherecafes,

shops,greenspaces,gatheringspots,etc.alreadyarepresent.

These

placesarealreadyonthewaytomakingtheirvisionhappen.

Lookforlocationswherethemainactivitiescouldbecontainedto

ablocklengthsomewherebetween200and400feetandwhere

bothsidesofthestreetcouldbeutilized.

TeamBetterBlockhasfoundthatitisbesttoaddressthefollowing

fourfactorswhendeterminingalocationforaBetterBlock:

• Safety

• SharedAccess

• StayPower

• The8to80Rule:Notaskislessthan8hoursormorethan80hours

Youshouldaddresseachofthefollowingrelatedquestions.Iftheanswerisno,canyoumake

temporaryimprovementsduringtheBetterBlocktochangethingsaround?Ifyoucan,thearea

willbeagoodpossibilityforaBetterBlock.AftertheBetterBlock,thetaskwillbetomakethe

temporarychangespermanent.

Safety (real and perceived):Ifanareafeelsunsafe,theneverythingbreaksdown.Thekeyto

changinganeighborhoodisaddressingitsperceivedsafety.Ifaneighborhoodisnotperceivedas

safe,whatcanbedonetochangethis?

• Doesitfeelsafetocrossthestreet?

• Doesitfeelsafetostandonthesidewalk?

• Doesitfeelsafetolingerinthearea?

• Doestheareahavehiddencornersorlargeobstaclesthatreduceopensightlines?

• Isthearealledwithdebris,grafti,overgrownlandscaping,etc.?

• Dothebusinesseshavebarsonthewindowsoropaquewindows?

Shared Access:Theareashouldbeaccessibleviadifferentmodesoftransportationandpresent

opportunitiestoimplementbikelanes,widesidewalksandcrosswalksandclosetoalaneoftrafc.

• Istheareaaccessibleviapublictransportation?

• Canpeoplesafelyrideabiketothearea?

• Docyclistsfeelwelcomeinthearea?

• Dopedestrianshaveeasyandclearaccesstothearea?

• Istheareaeasilyaccessiblefromresidentialneighborhoods?

• Aretherewayndingsignsthatdirectpeopleintoandoutofthearea?

• Whatcanbedonetoincreaseaccessibility(bikelanes,signage,etc.)?

Staying Power:CanamenitiesandactivitiesbepartoftheBetterBlockwhichwillencouragepeople

tovisittheareaandhavethemlinger?

• Arethereamenitiesthatallowpeopletolingerinthespace(seating,tables,etc.)?

• Canthevacantspaces/propertiesbeactivated?

• Aretherefoodoptionsontheblock?

• Isthereapresenceoflocalartandculturalorganizations?

• Arethereplacestoeatoutdoors?

• Cangames,entertainment,artandotheramenitiesbeaccommodated?

• Arethereopenspaces?

• Arethereplacestowindowshopandpurchaseitems?

• Istheidentityoftheareaprominent(artsdistrict,culturaldistrict,historicarea)?

8 to 80:Canamenitiesandactivitiesbecreatedforchildren,artists,seniors,cyclists,dogowners,

etc.Thesegroupstendtobeindicatorsofahealthyenvironmentthatfeelswelcomingandattracts

otherpeople.

• Istheareasafeforchildren?

• Istheareaaccessibletotheelderlyandthosewithdisabilities?

• Aredogswelcomed?

• Istheneighborhooddiversity-friendly?

Team Better Block Tip:Thinksmallforthelocation.

Better Block Survey

YoucanusetheBetterBlockSurveyintheAppendixtodeneaBetterBlocklocation.Youandyour

partnerswillvisittheareaandscorethefollowingsevenelements.Youmaywanttorankseveral

potentiallocations.

Rateeachelementfromonetofour(onebeingpoor,fourbeingstrong):

1. Leasable/Available Buildings:Thesepresentopportunitiesfortemporarybusiness

development(pop-ups)whichcanbecomepermanentbusinesses.Whoownsthe

propertiesandarethepropertyownerswillingtomakespaceavailable?Dothebuildings

meetminimumcodeandhaveelectricity?

2. Building Edges that Dene a Space (Form):Doestheareahavewell-formedbuildingedges

withveryfewgaps?Arethereanyparkinglotsorvacantlotsinthearea?

3. Potential for Multi-modal Street Infrastructure:Isthereavailablestreet/sidewalkcapacity?

Istrafcunder20,000ADT(street)?Howmanytrafclanesarethere?Whatisthewidthof

sidewalks?Isthereroomforbikelanes?Canyougetthesupportofpedestrian/bikegroups?

4. Proximity to a Residential Neighborhood (Community):wherearetheresidential

communitiesandwheredopeoplelivewhowouldcometothearea?

5. Placemaking Potential (Comfort):isthereapotentialforcreatingadestination:pocket

pocks,gardens,nicheshops,galleries,publicartinthearea?

6. Interest from Local Partners:whoarethepotentialpartners?Aretheywillingto

participateandlendtheirresources?

7. Existing Special Events (People):arethereanyfestivals,fairs,localevents,markets

thattakeplaceinarea?

Team Better Block Tip: Givetheareaaname,i.e.TownArtsDistrict,TownCulturalDistrict

Tool: SeetheBetterBlockSurveyTemplateintheAppendix.

Conduct a Community Meeting & Keynote

YouwillneedtointroducetheBetterBlockconceptandanydraftplanstothecommunity.So,another

tasktoconductearlyintheprojectistoscheduleapublicmeetingforthecommunity.

Youshouldinvitealllocalstakeholdersincludinglocalofcials,businessandpropertyowners,residents

andpotentialpartnersasoutlinedabove.

ThekeynotewillintroducethecommunitytotheBetterBlockconceptandhopefullygetthemexcited

aboutaBetterBlockproject.Itmayprovidelocalleadersandprofessionalsreasontogetitdone.

Atthemeeting,youwillgiveanoverviewofeffortsandideastorevitalizetheareaanddescribe

BetterBlockandhowtheBetterBlockwillbeusedtojumpstartrevitalizationefforts.Youwillalso

presentthepotentiallocation(s)oftheBetterBlockandseekinputfromcitizensandbusinessowners

todeterminethenalsiteselectionifthathasnotalreadybeendecided.

Thisiswhereyouwillgettheneededbuy-infromthecommunity.Youwillhopefullyexperience

excitementandenthusiasmfromthoseatthemeetingaswellasrecruitbothpartnersand

volunteers.

“The most important thing from my perspective is having local community buy-in and support.”

Andrew Sinclair, former Government Affairs Director, Hampton Roads REALTORS

Association (VA).

“I have pictured many, many times how awesome this city from West, East, North and South can

look again. With blessings above and people like you, this city can return to its glory days.”

South Bend Resident on the South Bend Better Block sponsored by the

Greater South Bend-Mishawaka Association of REALTORS

(VA).

Team Better Block Tip:

  •Thereneedstoadesireforchangebythecommunityandthecommunityneedsto

takeownershipoftheproject.

• Do not forget to introduce any VIPs who attend the meeting.

Optional:TeamBetterBlockisavailabletogiveakeynoteatthecommunitymeeting.Their

presentationincludeshowBetterBlockgotstarted;whyaBetterBlock;whatcantakeplaceata

BetterBlock;participantcasestudiesfromprojectsfromaroundthecountryinvariouscitysizes;

andoutcomesofaBetterBlock.Thereisalsoasharingportionthatwillgetparticipantsengaged

witheachotherandthinkingaboutsolutions.Onehourfora$3,000fee.

Keynote in New Orleans

IhadthepleasureofattendingthecommunitymeetingfortheBetterBlockinNewOrleans

sponsoredbytheNewOrleansMetropolitanAssociationofREALTORS

(NOMAR).NOMARreceived

a REALTOR

PartySmartGrowthActionGranttohelpfundtheirBetterBlock.Partofthegrantwent

toTeamBetterBlockforconsultingservicesincludinggivingakeynoteatthecommunitymeeting.

Onceintroductionsweremade,AndrewHowardfromTeamBetterBlockgavethekeynoteand

toucheduponthefollowing:

 oHowitallgotstarted:Inhisownneighborhood

 oPlanningshouldbefunandnottakeyearstoimplement

 oBetterBlockisawayforcommunitiestotakeownershipofacommunity

 oShowwhatcouldbe;peoplegettoexperience“it”

o Recreate what the is dream for the community

 oUseinsteadoftraditionalplanningprocesses

 oIdeasforactivitiesandamenities

 oCandoalotwithpartnerships

 oFindgooddeals,borrowandbuildforshoestringbudgets

 oPlayfultoolwithrealoutcomes

  •BetterBlockcanleadtocodechanges

  •Pop-upsbecomepermanentstoresinthecommunity

  •Sale/leaseofproperties

 oSetadateandpublishit–blackmailyourself

 oEnhancethechaosandhavefunwithBetterBlock

 oBetterBlockRecipe:Cleanit.Activate.MakeitPermanent.

Organize a Walking Tour & Brainstorming Session

Afterthecommunitymeeting,agroupofstakeholdersandmembersofthecommunitywill

needtotakeawalkofthepotentialBetterBlocksitetoidentifyopportunitiesforactivitiesand

amenities.Awalkoftheareagetsparticipantsontothestreetssotheycanstarttothinkofideas

forpop-upshops,streettreatments,publicspaces,publicartandbeautication.

Afterthewalk,everyonewillgettogethertohaveabrainstormingsessiontodiscusstheirndings

andoptions;identifyexistingcommunityassets;andsuggestpeoplewhocanberecruitedtohelp

withtheBetterBlock.

Community Walk in Richmond

 TheChurchHillNorthBetterBlock(Richmond,VA)

waskickedoffwithasuccessfulcommunitywalk

thattookplaceattheprojectsite(25thStreetand

VenableStreet).Agroupofnearly100residents,

stakeholdersandactivistsshoweduptobeginlaying

outthegroundworkforthearea’srstBetterBlock.

Whilewalkingthroughthesite,propertyownersof

vacantstructuresofferedaccesstotheirbuildings.

Thesepropertieswouldbeusedforpop-upshops

duringtheBetterBlock.Participantsidentieda

handfulofgreat,historicstructureswhichhadthe

potentialtobequicklyconvertedtocafes,markets

orartgalleries.

SeeavideoofacommunitywalkinNorfolk,VA.

Optional:TeamBetterBlockisavailabletolead,moderateandparticipateinthewalkandprovide

feedbackandsuggestionsonsiteselectionchoicesandactivities.UsingaBetterBlocksurvey,they

canhelpyouidentifypotentialpop-upshops,streetimprovementsandpublicspaceamenities.

Onehourfor$1,000fee.

Team Better Block Tip:Atthistime,donotoverthinkthedetails.Themajorityofthe

workanddetailsareworkedoutintheweekspriortotheBetterBlock.

Set a Date

YoumaywanttocoordinatetheBetterBlocktoanexistingevent,suchasanartcrawl,ciclovia,

funrun,etc.TeamBetterBlockhasdevelopedfoodevents,bikeridesandmorethatcelebratea

community’sidentitywhilealigningtheeffortsofaBetterBlockproject.

Team Better Block Tip:SetadatefortheBetterBlockandpublishit.Thislocksyouin.

Sign-up Volunteers & Coordinate Teams

AsuccessfulBetterBlockdependsonvolunteers.Volunteersareneededtohelpwithplanning,

logistics,setup,tours,cleanup,securingin-kinddonations(paint,wood,A/V,etc.),prebuilds,

entertainment,promotionandmarketingandtakedown.

Volunteerscouldincludelocalgrassrootscommunityactivists,stafffromnon-prot

organizationsandcivicgroups,businesses,artists,musicians,collegestudents,urban

planning/architectrms,youngbusinessprofessionals,localEtsygroupsandresidents.

Agreatplacetosolicitvolunteersisatthecommunitymeeting.

Onceyouhaveavarietyofvolunteerssignedup,youwillneedtocreateteamsanddesignatetasks

toeachvolunteer.Eachteamshouldhaveateamleadertomakesurethetasksgetcompleted.

Team Better Block Tip: TeamBetterBlockhassetupacollaborativemap for anyone

interestedindevelopingaBetterBlock.PinthelocationofyourBetterBlockand

providelinkssootherscantakepart.

Tool:TheAppendixhasasign-insheetanddiscussesopportunitiesforparticipation.Youcanuse

theresponsestocreatevolunteersteams.AlsoseetheVolunteerFormusedattheBetterBlockin

Richmond,VA.

Develop Concept Plan

Asyousignuppartnersandvolunteers,yournexttaskisto

createaconceptplan.Youneedtodraftaroughsketchof

thestreetsandwhattypesofactivitiesandamenitiesyouwill

haveandwheretheywillbelocated.

Theconceptplanwillnotealloftheimprovementsyouwould

liketoaccomplish.You’llwanttothinkaboutpop-upshops,

cafétables/chairs,bikelanes,plants,landscaping,façade

improvement/painting,Wi-Fi,foodvendors,tours,activities,

music,artandsoon.

BeginwithdeningthefocalpointsoftheBetterBlock.Wherewillthepicturesbetaken,whatspots

willpeoplegatherandwhatmakesthisplacedifferentthanothersnearby?

AllBetterBlocksshouldfocusonfour

elements:anedge,asidewalk,astreet

andalabspace.

Theedgeshouldhavesmallretailshops

withaminimumofveshopsthatline

bothsidesofthestreettoshowhowthese

edgescanengageeachother.Lookat

shoppingmallsasananalogyforcreating

asmartlyscaledstreetwithsmallretail

spacesat18feetorlesswithstrongedge

detail,two-sided,commonspacewhichis

sharedandactivatedbyfoodcourt.

Thelabspacewillbewherevolunteer

groupscanmeet,completeconstruction

andstorematerials.Youwillneedto

identifyavacantpropertytosetup

thelabspace.

Sidewalksneedtosafeforall.Youshoulddevelopwalkingandbikingconnectionsto

thesidewalks.Maketheseconnectionssafeandappealingusingasmanyofthetechniques

found in a streetdesignmanual.Focusonscale.Workto

createa1:1ratioonsidewalktoroadspace.

Thestreetwillaccommodatecars,butyouwillneedto

ndawaytoslowdowntrafcwithtrafccalming

measuressocyclistsandpedestrianswillfeelsafe.You

can use Streetmixtoproletheexistingstreetscape.

Includeasmanypeople-friendlyaesthetics—lighting,

plants,seating,etc.—asyoucan,especiallyseatingas

theareamustbecomfortabletoencouragepeopleto

linger.

Besuretoprovidefortheweather.Ifitishot,addshade.Ifitis

cold,makesureheatersandblanketsareonhand.

Rememberthatpeoplewantareasontostayandbeapartofa

neighborhood.Makesureyouhaveavarietyofactivitiestocreate

enoughdiversicationofusetoallowtheareatosustainactivity

overafullday.Keepinmindallusers:teens,children,elderly,

adults,students,disabled,etc.

Activities & Programming

TheBetterBlockprojectshouldbethoughtofasa“hardwareproject.”The“softwareproject”isthe

programmingofthespaceitself.Partnerwithanoutdoormarket,orworkwithaneventmanager

onsitetocoordinatevendors,communicationandmarketingofprogrammingandactivities.Taking

onbothpiecescanstretchresourcesifvolunteerturnoutislight.

HerearesomeideasforamenitiesandactivitiesforyourBetter

Block:

Reading & Information:Create,distributeandpostmapsof

theshopsandamenitiesandascheduleofactivities.Builda

simplekioskorLittleFreeLibrarytouseascommunitybulletin

board.Postthestoryoftheblock(itshistory,itspresent,its

futureasaneighborhoodplace).Distributeinformationandget

localhistorianstovolunteertogivetoursandtalks.

Landscaping:Youwillneedtobeautifytheareaandmakeitwelcoming.

Volunteerscanbuildplantersfromoldpallets.TeamBetterBlockhas

workedwithlocalpropswarehousestobringinplanterstohelpdivide

thestreet.Theyhavealsoaskedlocallandscapersiftheycouldborrow

pottedtreesandplantstheywillbeusingforotherprojects.

Lighting:Lightingcreatesambianceandmakestheareasafe.

TeamBetterBlockhasstrungsimplebailingwirebetweenbuildings

at15feethigh(aboveasemi-truckslowestclearance)andattached

recycledChristmaslightstohelpprovidemoreambiance.

Pop-up Shops:Theshopsshouldhaveamorning

beverageoption(coffee,tea,etc.),arestaurant,andinclude

locally-madeproducts.Youdonothavetogetoverly

elaboratewithyourproductofferings.Forcoffeeshops,you

couldbrewthecoffeeoff-siteanduseurnstopouritonsite.

Thisstillcreatesaninvitingexperience.

Ifpossible,workwithexistinglocalbusinessestohelpllthe

storefrontswithproducts.Thegoalshouldbetoplaceas

manylocalproductsaspossibleineachoftheshops.Other

optionsincludeaowershop,bikeshop,musicstore,book

shop,etc.TeamBetterBlockcreatedakids’artstudioso

familiescouldbeinvolved.Anotherideaistoorganizea

bookdriveandthencreateasmallbookstore.

Iftherearenotenoughvacantpropertiesforpop-ups,rent

scaffoldingand/orusedbillboardvinyltocreateanewstreet

edge.Installsmallpop-upretailinthesespaces.

Someotherideas:

 •Pop-upRealEstateOfce:Yourassociationmaybeabletosetupapop-uprealestate

ofceandusememberstostafftheofce.Youthencouldofferatourofopenhousesin

the area.

 •ArtsandCraftsPop-up:Pop-upsareagreatwayforlocalstart-upsandartiststoshowand

selltheirwares.

InRichmond,VA,vendorsinterestedindevelopingashopattheirBetterBlockhadtosubmitan

applicationform.Theyconductedatouroftheareaforpop-upshopparticipants.

Bike Lanes, Crosswalks & Sidewalks:Workwithyourcitytotesttheviabilityoftemporarybikelanes,

crosswalks,dedicatedtransitlanesorexpandedsidewalks.Whiteducttapeworksextremelywellasa

replacementforpaint.Spraychalkisalsoanalternative.

Team Better Block Tip:Mixyouownremovablepaintusingequalpartsour,corn

starchandwaterwhichquicklydissolvesattheendoftheproject.

AndinNorfolk,VA,whereaBetterBlockwasheldovertwodays,totaling

10hoursofbusinessoperation,morethan$13,000inrevenuewas

generated.Onepop-upshophassetupapermanentbusiness.

Beer Garden:Ifaprojectisatnight,buildabeergarden.Donot

forgettopullanalcoholpermit.Stringlightsaroundthegardenwhichcan

helpcreateasocialgatheringspacethatcanbethecenteroftheBetter

Block.

Health Screening Clinic:Offerfreebloodpressurechecks,heart

monitoring,etc.Alocalhospitalorcliniccouldbethesponsor.Thismay

gettheelderlytoattendandothersandmayencourageahealthcare

providertodevelopahealthclinicintheneighborhood.

Parklets:Thesearetemporaryspacesforthecommunitytositandlinger.Line

twosidesofthestreetwiththeseifpossible.Theygivethesemblanceofa

frontporch,whichactsasasocialgatheringspaceandstreetactivator.Also,-

makesureoneincludesshadeiffolksneedaplacetocooldown.

Music:Musicisakeycomponenttohavingactivatingastreet.Invitelocalmusicians,DJs,drum

circles,etc.toperformattheBetterBlock.OruseaguitaramplierandplaytracksfromaniPodas

asimplewaytobringmusictotheblock. 

History & Cultural Activities:Schedulingactivities

thatreectthelocalcultureand/orgivesahistorical

perspectiveoftheneighborhoodwillhelpattendees

betterunderstandthecommunity.AtaBetterBlockin

SanAntonio,TeamBetterBlockstrategicallyorganized

severalculturalinterpretationstofocusonthevast

historyandimportanceofAlamoPlazatoSanAntonio

andTexashistory.Coahuiltecan/ApachestorytellerIsaac

CardenaswaspairedwithTexasNativesongwriterKR

WoodandspecialguestCarolynCottonCrockett,third

granddaughterofDavyCrockettforamomenttoremember.

Games & Activities:Smallerdetailscanincludesettingupgames,suchasabeanbagtossorareas

toplayhopscotch,whichcanappealtofamilies,especiallychildren.Boardgames,likechess,are

anotheroptiontoconsider.

Open Houses:Organizeanopenhouseofallresidentialpropertiesinandaroundtheareaforsale.

Aspeopleattendingtheeventenvisionwhattheneighborhoodcouldbe,theymaywanttothink

aboutlivingintheareatoo.

“Open Houses are a natural way for REALTORS

to participate by coordinating the scheduling

for nearby properties, both residential and commercial. The Better Block activities should

elevate interest in the area and bring a large crowd, providing the perfect opportunity to

showcase available properties.”

Andrew Sinclair, former Government Affairs Director, Hampton Roads REALTORS

Association (VA).

Tour of Vacant Buildings:Iftherearecommercialpropertiesforsale/leaseina10-blocksquarearea

ofwheretheeventwillbeheld,theremaybepotentialforawalkingtourofthesebuildingstobe

heldduringthesametimeoftheBetterBlock.Theeventmayencouragepotentialbusinessesto

becomeinterestedinrentingorleasingthesebuildingsiftheyknowthereareplansfortheareato

berevitalized.TheBetterBlockwillenablethemtoseethepotentialandtheinterestinlocalsin

supportinglocalbusinesses.

ThismightbeaprojectforyourCommercialmemberstoconsider.Seeanexampleofatour:

http://smallbizsurvival.com/2013/05/small-town-economic-development-idea-tour-empty-buildings.html.

Promote & Market

Promote.Promote.Promote.DuringeverystepoftheBetterBlockplanning,youshouldbe

gettingthewordoutontheBetterBlockevent.Thisisagreatopportunityforavolunteerwhohas

marketingskillsandexperience.

Inadditiontousingtraditionalmedia—newspapers,radio,localnewsstations—youwillalso

wanttotakeadvantageofsocialmedia—Facebook,Twitter,etc.—whichcanalsobeusedtosolicit

volunteers,sponsorsandpartnersaswellasencourageresidentstoattendtheBetterBlock.

CreatingaFacebookpageisaneasywaytogetthingsstarted.Seeanexample:

https://www.facebook.com/BetterBlockLawrence

Donotforgetabouttocreateiersanddistributethemthroughoutthecommunityincludingat

businesses,schools,churches,eventsandarts/culturalorganizations.

YoumayalsowanttopromotetheBetterBlockthroughoutthecity.Morethanlikely,theareayou

arerevitalizinghasbeen“ofine”andmostresidentsdonotknowtoreturntothearea.

“We came to Better Block to get familiar with another part of town.”

Molly Busser, South Bend resident attending the South Bend Better Block sponsored by the

Greater South Bend-Mishawaka Association of REALTORS

(OR)

“The goal wasn’t about selling property. It was to nd a part of the community that people had

forgotten about and say, ‘Look what’s here.’”

Eddie Niziolek, Communications Coordinator, Greater South Bend-Mishawaka Association of REALTORS

(OR)

Makesuretoinviteyourmayor,councilmembersandotherelectedofcialsaswellthestaffof

governmentagencies,sotheycanseethepossibilitiesofchangeforthemselves.

Youwillneedtodevelopamapandscheduleofactivitiesfortheday(music,performances,

etcetera)andthendistributethescheduletothemedia,publicofcials,businessesandattendees.

Outreach to Property Owners

Theemptyandvacantbuildingsintheareawillserveaslocationsforthepop-upsandprebuild

workshops.Youwillneedtoidentify,contactandworkwiththepropertyownerstogettheir

permissiontogainaccesstotheproperties.YoushouldexplainaBetterBlocktopropertyowners

andletthemknowofpotentialoutcomesincludingtheleaseorsaleoftheirproperties.

TeamBetterBlockpitchedoneeventasagiant“artinstallation,”sothevacantspacesbecome

defactoartgalleries.Thepropertyownerswereexcitedtofreelyallowaccessbecausetheir

propertieswerebeingactivelymarketed.AndafterthisBetterBlock,severalofthepropertieswere

leased.

Codes & Insurance

Thepropertieswillneedtobeuptocodeandsafeforpeopletoenterthem.Theyshouldalsohave

accesstoelectricity.Walkthroughthepop-upshopswithabuildinginspectorandtherechiefto

checkforhazards.

Youshouldalsotakeoutaneventinsurancepolicy.Oftentimes,propertyownerswillaskforinsurance

toprotectthemagainstlawsuits;claimsmaderelatedtobodilyinjuryofothers;andpropertydamage

tothepremisebeforeallowingaccesstotheirbuildings.Youmayneedtotakeoutasimple“Block

Partyevent”insurancepolicyandaddpropertyownersas“additionalinsured”fortheBetterBlock.

Secure Permits

Morethanlikely,aBetterBlockwillneedapermit.Youwillneedtoworkwithyourcitytopermitthe

BetterBlockusingeitherablockpartypermitorassemblypermit.Startthisprocessatleast60days

priortoyourdate.Buildintoyourspecialeventpermittwohoursforset-upandtakedown.

Ifyouwillbesellingalcohol,youwillneedtopullanalcoholpermit.

You’llmorethanlikelyneedapermittocloseaportionofthestreet.TeamBetterBlock

askstoallowonelaneofvehicletrafcsothatresidentscouldseethata“completestreet”

thatallowedallmodesoftransitwasaviablesolution.

InsomeBetterBlockprojects,citystaffswerealsoadvisedonthecreationofoutdoorcafeseating,

pedestrianbulb-outsandimprovedlandscaping.Youmaywanttoworkwithatrafccontrol

contractortoprovidesafetyconesandwarningsigns.

TheCityofNorfolkhasachecklistthatmustbefollowedandanin-personmeetingisneededto

clarifyeventdetails.

“Look to the local government planning and economic development departments for support.

If they see the value in promoting private sector growth (which they should), they can expedite

some of the permitting needed and prevent other obstacles. ”

Andrew Sinclair, former Government Affairs Director, Hampton Roads REALTORS

Association (VA)

Procure Materials, Prep & Pre-Build

AsthedateoftheBetterBlockapproaches,youwillneedtothinkaboutall,andcreatealist,forallthe

itemsthattobuy,borrowandbuildaspartofyourconceptplan.Askforeachteamtosubmitalistof

whattheyneedtocoordinateefforts.Tokeepcostsinline,borrowandbuildasmuchasyoucan.

Itemstobuy,buildorborrowcanincludechairs,tables,plants,paints,lights,trashcans,tools,nails,

ducttape,spraychalk,signage,markers,fencing,haybalesandpalletwood.

Setasmallbudgetforbuyingessentialitems.Retailerswilloftenofferdiscountsforcommunity

projects.Justask.

Team Better Block Tip:Makesureyouhavethebasictoolsrequiredforallprojects:

4automaticscrewdrivers(1withdrillbit),extrabatteries,2circularsaws,3hammers,

1crowbarandasmanypalletsasyoucanacquire.

Youwillalsoneedtogathervolunteersforone,ormore,

pre-buildworkshoponetotwoweekspriortotheBetterBlock.

Theworkshopallowsvolunteerstogatherandassemblematerials,

gainaccesstovacantpropertiesandbuilditemsneededfortheBetter

Block.Besuretohaveallmaterialsassembledandreadytoinstall

priortoaworkshop.Providesnacksandbeveragestothevolunteers.

Team Better Block Tip: Do not create more than two

workshopsperday.

WatchvolunteersinRichmond,VAbuildparkletsandfurniture.

Optional:TeamBetterBlockcanconductapre-buildsessionon-siteof

theBetterBlock.

Youwillalsoneedtoget

accesstothevacant

buildings,whichwillbe

paintedandsprucedup

forthepop-upshopsThis

isthetimetocleanup

publicspacesandadd

landscapingamenities.

Thesesmallchangescan

makeabigdifferencein

theambianceofthe

neighborhood.

Set-up & Final Logistics

ItisnallythedayofyourBetterBlock.

Makenoteofanylastminutelogisticsandsetupthatneedstobedone.Iseverythingbuilt,installed

andinplace?

Makesureallhandsareondeck.Assembleallyourvolunteersandgivethemtheirassignmentsand

makesureeverythingisreadyandinplace.

Areallthevendorssetupandhavewhattheyneed?Allowvendorsaccessatleastonehourpriorto

startoftheBetterBlock.

IfthereareVIPscoming,makesureyouhavevolunteerstogreetthemandshowthemaround.

The same goes for any media that attends.

Makesureyouhavesomevolunteersfortake-downandclean-up.

Document, Measure & Evaluate

SinceyouwentthroughalotofefforttoplanandorganizetheBetterBlock,youshouldtakesome

timetodocumentyoureffortsandwhattookplace.

EvaluationeffortscanincludecataloguingvacantpropertiesandtheirusageduringaBetterBlock.

IfanyofthesepropertiesareleasedorsoldafterBetterBlock,youcanindicatethatandcompare

vacancyratesbefore/afterBetterBlock.

Besuretotracksalestoshowtheincreaseinareabusiness(potentialforincreasedtaxrevenueisa

city’slargestmotivatorforchange),andspotlighthowtrafcslowsbutpeoplestillhaveeasyaccess

and come out.

Youshouldalsokeeptrackofretailandfoodsalestoshowtheincreaseinareabusinessandthe

potentialforincreasedtaxrevenuewhichcouldbeacity’slargestmotivatorforchangeandaction.

Anotherevaluationactivitytoconsiderisconductingbaselinemetricstoshowexistingvehiclecounts

andspeedsandpedestrianuse.Thesecanbeusedtocomparetrafcspeedsbeforeandduringa

BetterBlockwhichincludedpedestriansafetyfeatures.

Tool: YoucanusethesurveysintheAppendixtofollow

upwithvolunteers,participantsandattendees.

  •BetterBlockQualitativeSurvey–conductedbeforea

BetterBlock

  •BetterBlockQualitativeSurvey–conductedduringa

BetterBlock

  •BetterBlockQuantitativeMetricsActivitySheet

Volunteerscanhelptophotograph,videoanddocumenttheBetter

Blockbeforeandduringtheevent.

Youcanthenpublishallyourndingsinprintandonline.Thephotos

canbeusedtopostonyourFacebookpageandforreportsand

presentationsinanyeffortstomakepermanentchanges.

Develop Policies & Update Zoning for Permanent Changes

TheworkdoesnotstoponcetheBetterBlockisover.Itisnowtimetomakethetemporarychanges

permanentbyworkingtochangepolicyandfast-trackinfrastructureimprovements.

Youcanusethendingsfromyourmeasurements,surveysandevaluationstoseewhatworkedand

whatdidnot.Fortheactivitiesandprojectsthatworked,thesewillbetheareastofocusonforyour

advocacyefforts.

Neighborhoodsthrivewhenpeoplecanlive,work,shop,dineandrelaxallinthesameplace,as

demonstratedbyBetterBlocks.However,therearebarriersthatprohibitthingslikestoresmixed

withresidences,adiversityofhousingtypesinthesamedevelopmentandpedestrian-rstdesign,

suchaslendingpracticesthatfavorconventionalsuburbandevelopmentandoutdatedfederal,state

andlocaltransportation,tax,zoningandotherpolicies.

“In 95% of the jurisdictions of this country, building mixed-use, high density WalkUP urban

development is not legal. It does not meet the zoning,”

Mark Falcone., Denver developer.

“Most current zoning ordinances are a combination of good intentions producing bad

outcomes for most places.”

Eric Bethany, Atlanta architect.

Youmayndthatthezoninginyourcommunityneedstobechangedorupdatedtoimplement

permanentchanges,includingthefollowing:

 •Allowagroundoorstorefrontandresidentialintheupperoors

• Permit increased density

 •Alloworeliminatefeesforoutsidecaféareas

 •Reduceparkingrequirements

 •Facilitateamixofuses

Ifyourlocalgovernmentisproposingchangestothezoningcode,theREALTOR

Party’sLandUse

Initiativecanreviewtheproposedzoningtoassesstheimpactonrealestate.

APPENDIX

Team Better Block Tools & Resources

 I. Budget:TypicalScopeofTeamBetterBlockServices

 II. SiteSelection:BetterBlockSiteSurvey

III. Partner Outreach: Partner Questionnaire

 IV. VolunteerOutreach:TeamAssignment&VolunteerSignUp

 V. ConceptPlanExample

 VI. BetterBlockWorkshops:Prep&Pre-Build

  a.ParkletWorkshop

  b.StorefrontWorkshop

  c.StreetCrossingWorkshop

  d.FurnitureWorkshop

  e.MetricsWorkshop

 VII. SetUp&Logistics:ScheduleofEvents&MapsExample

 VIII. SetUp&Logistics:TrafcControlPlanExample

 IX. Measurement

  a.BetterBlockQualitativeSurvey-Before

  b.BetterBlockQualitativeSurvey-During

  c.BetterBlockQualitativeSurvey

  d.BetterBlockQuantitativeMetrics

  e.Catalogue

 X. Evaluate

  a.SurveyforVolunteers

  b.SurveyforParticipants

  c.SurveyforAttendees

 XI. CompleteStreetsDesignExample

 XII. BetterBlockResources

Budget: Typical Scope of Team Better Block Services

Public & Private Space Survey (PPSS): $5,000

Survey of the site’s public and private spaces, quality of these spaces and identication of rapid

redevelopment potential.

TeamBetterBlock’sPPPSSurveyprovidesadetailedanalysisofacommunity’sassets,potential

stakeholders(propertyowners,activists,non-prots,businesses,artists)andquickwinopportunities

thatallowajumping-offpointforaBetterBlockdemonstration.ThePPSStoolalsoidentieslocal

materialsandresourcesthatcanbestbeutilizedtorebuildacommunitywhileshowcasingthearea’s

naturalcharacter.

Deliverables:

 •KeynotepresentationtostakeholdersandleadersonBetterBlockapproachatapublic

meeting

 •PPSSSurveyofvepotentialBetterBlocksites

 •SurveyofparticipantstoassesspotentiallocationsandinterestinaBetterBlock

 •MemodetailingndingsandrecommendationsforBetterBlocksite

Community Walk, Workshop and Concept Plan: $10,000

Gatherleaders,activistsandgeneralpublicforawalkofthepotentialBetterBlocksitetoidentify

opportunitiesandconstraints.Createalistofpotentialpopupshops,transportationimprovements,

publicspacesenhancements,publicartopportunitiesandotherchanges.Facilitatedividingthe

largegroupintosmallerteamstoaddressprojectgoals.

Deliverables:

 •Communitywalk-throughofpotentialBetterBlocksite

 •Conceptplan

 •Needslist

 •Summarymemoofnextsteps

 •Goorno-godecisiononhavingaBetterBlock

Community Organization: $3,000

Organizing volunteers to execute pop-up shops, public spaces, trafc calming, complete streets

and other elements of the Better Block.

Createavolunteerplan,betterblockguideandassistwithfollow-uptogeneratevolunteer

commitments and success.

Deliverables:

 •Assistwithvolunteerplan

 •CreateaBetterBlockGuide

 •Emailandphonecoordinationwithlocals,cityleadersandvolunteers

Private Sector Organization: $3,000

Incoordinationwithlocalpropertyowners,non-protsandprivatebusinesses,solicit

participationintheBetterBlock.Approachandnegotiateaccesstovacantpropertyinthe

BetterBlockarea.Provideinformationonbenets,risksandofferlegalagreementstomitigate

liability.Offersuccessagreementsbetweenpop-upshopsandpropertyowners/agents.

Deliverables:

 •Assistwithprivatesectoroutreach

 •Providelegaldocumentswhenneeded

 •Providesuccessagreementswhenneeded

Public Sector Organization: $3,000

Presenttheconceptplantocitystaffandrenebasedoncommentsandconcerns.Assistwith

needsforpermittingofspecialevent,foodandbusinesslicenses.Negotiatewithtrafcengineer’s

considerationofthestreetplan.

Deliverables:

 •Assistwithinternalcitystaffcoordination

 •Presentconceptplanandrenebasedoncommentsfromstaff

 •Applyforpermits

Build Plan (BP): $9,000

Createaplanviewrenderingoftheblock,materialslist,streetcrosssection,costestimatesand

PowerPointdescribingtheBetterBlock.

Deliverables:

 •StreetandtrafccontrolbuildplanforBetterBlock

 •Listofmaterials,rentalsandvendorsnecessarytocompletetheBetterBlock

 •Publicspaceprogramwithdescriptionsoftemporaryfacilities

 •Workshopinstructions

Better Block Pre-Build: $10,000

Assistinorganizingapre-buildtime(4to6hours)wherethecommunitygatherstobuildelements

ofthebetterblockpriortotheeventdate.Typicallythebuildincludesplanters,plants,bollards,

temporarypaintedsurface,bicyclelanesandparking,streetfurnitureandlighting.Wewillidentify

asmanyaspossiblelocalsources,deneopportunitiesforlocalcraftsman,artistandDIYersto

participate,build-outourselvesorrenttheneededmaterialsifnecessary.TeamBetterBlockwill

assuresafetyproceduresarefollowedandwilldocumentwithvideo,picturesandpersonal

interviewsthecommunitybuild.

Deliverables:

 •Volunteerwaiverofliability

 •Propertyownerwaiverofliability

 •Codeofsafepracticesandprocedures

 •On-sitemonitoringandassisting

 •ListingofmaterialsfromTeamBetterBlock

 •ListingofmaterialsneededfromPartners

 •Photo,videoandpersonaldocumentation

Better Block On-site Coordination: $15,000

Createsastagingplanandinstallationchecklistthatguideseveryone’srolesinmobilizing,setting

upandtearingdown.TeamBetterBlockwillhasatleasttwostaffmemberspresentduringthe

BetterBlockforon-sitemanagementandoperationoftheproject.

Deliverables:

 •Stagingplanandinstallationcheck-list

 •Mobilizationandinstallation

 •On-sitemanagementandoperation

Better Block Metrics and Report: $5,000

Createsametricscharttobecollectedduringtheprojectthatgaugessuccessintermsof

business,infrastructureandsocialaspectsoftheproject.Workswiththecitystafftodevelop

recommendationsforchangestozoningoverlaysanddevelopmentguidelines.Workswithlocals

tooffersuggestionsforfurtheractivatingtheareawithprogrammingandbusinessdevelopment

programs.Anextstepsreportwilldocumenttheprojectandoutlinetheserecommendations.

Deliverables:

• List of metrics

 •Writtenaccountofinterviews

 •Summarymemo

 •Blogpost

 •Nextstepsreport

OverallRating:___outof28

Element

Rate 1 to 4

(1beingpoor,4beingstrong)

Photo

Recommendation for

BetterBlock

1.Buildingedgesthat

denespace(form)

2.Leasable/available

buildingswhichpresent

opportunitiesfor

temporarybusiness

development(pop-ups)

3.Potentialformulti-modal

streetinfrastructure,

availablecapacity

(completestreets)

4.Proximitytoa

neighborhood

(community)

5.Placemakingpotential

(comfort)

6.Interestfromlocal

partners,existing

organizations(partners)

7.ExistingSpecialEvents

(people)

Site Selection: Better Block Site Survey

Partner Outreach: Partner Questionnaire

Name:___________________________________________________________________________________

Organization:_____________________________________________________________________________

Block:___________________________________________________________________________________

Visionforthearea:________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

TheBetterBlocktypicallytakes3monthsofplanningandexecution.Whichmonths/datesarebest

foryouforaproject?___________________________________________

HowmuchtimeperweekcanyoudedicatetotheBetterBlock?________________________________

Howmanypeople/organizationsdoyouhavecontactsforthatcould

assistinthisproject?_______________________________________________________________________

Howmanypropertyownersdoyouhavecontactwithwhichwouldgivetheprojectaccesstovacant

storefronts?______________________________________________________________________________

WhodoyouhaveinmindforleadingelementsoftheBetterBlock?

•StreetTeam:_________________________________________________________________________

•Pop-UpBusinessTeam:_______________________________________________________________

•Marketing/ProgrammingTeam:________________________________________________________

Canyouattendmeetingstoreachagreementoneventplan?___________________________________

Areyouwillingtosolicitborrowingmaterials,suchaslandscaping,

fortheprojectfromareabusinesses?_________________________________________________________

Areyouabletoleforaneventpermitfromthecity?__________________________________________

Volunteer Outreach: Team Assignments & Volunteer Sign-Up

Street Team:Focusesoncompletestreet,rightsizing,bicycleandpedestrianamenitiessuchasbike

lanes,cross-walks,laneclosuresandlighting.

•DesignerstoworkwithCADDand/orPhotoshop

•Numbercruncherstotrackvehiclespeed,pedestrianandbicyclecountsandotherlivability

indicators

•Streetscapedoerstohelpimplementconceptplantsuchasinstallingcrosswalks,lighting,

plantersandcaféfurniture

•Landscapedoerstobuy,borrowandacquireplantsandmaterialsandplacethem

Marketing and Documentation Team:Tohelpgetthewordoutandgetpeopletoattendthebetter

blockand/ortohelpdocumenttheevent.Volunteerrolesneededincludeanoutreachmanager,

photographersandvideographers,webmanager,copyeditorandreporter/writer.

Signage and Waynding Team:Tohelpcreatesignageandwaynding.

Name Skills

Name Role

Concept Plan

Better Block Workshops: Prep & Pre-Build

Instructionsforsomeoftheseprojectsfollowthislisting.

How to build Parklets–Parkletsaremini-parkscreatedbyextendingexisting

sidewalksintoaparkingspots,yes,actualparkingspots.We’llintroducethe

conceptandworkwithreclaimedmaterialtobuildparkletsforaBetterBlock

project.

How to build pallet furniture–Thisworkshopfocusesonhowtotransformpallet

woodintopublicbenches,tablesandplanters.Thefurniturewillbedisplayedthe

followingdayandcanbepickedupaftertheBetterBlock.

How to create a pop-up shop–Themovementtotransformvacantbuilding

spacesintocafes,retailshops,andservicecentersishelpingkicknewbusinesses

offandcreateamorevibrantstreetscape.Wewilloutlinebestpracticesforgetting

yourownshopofftheground.

How to make a street more bike/pedestrian friendly–Two-daycoursewith

classroomfundamentalsdescribingaroadwaysegmentandalternativesand

materialsthatcanmakeitmorepedestrianfriendly.Wewillimplementthose

ideasusingtemporarymaterials.

How to create waynding signage–Oneofthesimplestwaystoeducatea

communityaboutwalkingandbicyclingiscreatingsimplesignsthatcommunicate

distancestolocalamenities.Wewillwalkthroughthatprocesstofocusonareasto

measure,andendbycreatingsignsinanexistingareathatwillbedisplayedduring

theBetterBlock. 

How to gather metrics on a Better Block–Inthis2daycourse,wewillstartby

identifyingareasthatshouldbemeasuredtopushforpermanent.Wewillalso

gatherbaselinemeasurementstocomparewithforthemeasurementstakenon

thedayoftheBetterBlock. 

Better Block Parklet Workshop

Overview:

Createthesemblanceofafrontporchwithshadeusing

Parklets.Tocreateadditionalcaféseatingandcalmtrafc.

Needs (must be gathered and onsite prior to assembly):

 •20pallets(8forbase,6forwalls/bar,6forfurniture)

 •5sheetsof4x8plywood(forbaseandfurnituresurfaces)

 •4–8-foot2x4s

 •2packagesofeyehooks

 •6LBrackets

 •Rope

 •Paintandbrushes

 •2crowbars

 •1circularsaw

• 2 handsaws

 •Straightline

 •Boxcutter

 •2measuringtape

 •Constructionpencils

 •Chalkline

• 2 Hammers

 •Goggles

 •Gloves

6volunteers,2hours

Directions:

 1.Layoutfoundationwithpallets.12totaltomakeupthebase

 2.Attachparticleboardandttofoundation

 3.Attachpalletstocreatewallsatfront,sides,andportionsofback.Arrangeplanksvertically

(ref:pictureabove).Leavesmallopeningstoallowpedestrianaccess

 4.Attach2x4’sascolumnstoeachendofthefoundation.UseLbracketstosupport

 5.Createframeattopof2x4columnsusing1x’s

 6.Attachshadeclothwithstapleguns

 7.Ataminimum,paintoutsideedges

 8.Addowerboxes,andfurniture

Better Block Storefront Workshop

OverviewSomestorefrontsmaynotbeveryinterestingespeciallyoneswithonepaintcolorand

notmuchedgedetail.Highlywalkableplaceshavecolorvariationandattentiontodetails.This

workshopfocussesonwaystoquicklychangestorefrontsusingsimplematerials.

Needs

 •4GallonsofLatexPaint(seecolorsabove)formainbuildingfronts

 •2quartsblackforwindowtrim

 •2quartsgreyforwindowtrim

 •2quartsbrightcolorsfordoors

 •Paintbrushes,buckets,pans,rollersandextensionpoles.

 •2extensionladders

10volunteers,2hours

Directions:Workingwithalocaldesigner,suchasReVisionNorfolkorAlchemyNFK,tocreatea

reviewteamtoadministeraStorefrontReimbursementGrant.Existingbusinessesandpop-up

shopsmayapplyforreimbursementofupto$1,500for:constructionservices,repair,paint,building

materialsandlabortoimprovethestorefront.Detailstobeworkedoutbycommittee,butingeneral

theimprovementsshouldprovideagifttothestreet.

Better Block Street Crossing Workshop

Needs (must be gathered and onsite prior to assembly):

 •8–25-footstrawwattles

 •Skinzwrapmaterial

 •Bicyclestencil

 •Whiteducttape

 •8Dollarstoretrashcans(forplanters)

 •Spraypaint

 •Cardboardboxestosetplantsoninsidetrashcans

 •Gloves

 •Miscellaneous:cushionsfromIkea,plantsfortrim,stringlights

6volunteers,1hour

 1.HaveAgroupcutskinzmaterialtosize

 2.HaveBgrouplayoutwattlesforbulbouts/pedislands

 3.HaveCgrouppainttrashcans

 4.HaveAgrouplayoutcrosswalks

 5.HaveBandCgroupssetplantsout

 6.Cleanup

Better Block Furniture Workshop

Needs (must be gathered and onsite prior to assembly):

 •20pallets

 •2sheetsof4x8plywood(forsurfaces)

 •Paintandbrushes

 •2crowbars

 •1circularsaw

• 2 handsaws

 •2measuringtape

 •Constructionpencils

• 2 Hammers

 •Goggles

 •Gloves

15volunteers,2hours

 1)Instructorcreatesexamplepalletbench

 2)2peoplepergroupdevelopeachchair

 3)Allgroupspaintatend

 4)Clean-Up

Better Block Metrics Workshop

Needs (must be gathered and onsite prior to assembly):

 •8Clipboards

 •PrintoutbeforeQualitativeSurveys

 •PrintoutafterQualitativeSurveys

 •PrintoutQuantitativeWorksheets

 •2Speedguns

 •2Decibelmeters(downloadphoneappifavailable)

• 20 Pens

• Camera

6volunteers,1hourforeachsurvey

 1.HaveAgroup(2people)gatherquantitativemetrics

 2.HaveBgroupperformsurveys

Set-up & Logistics: Schedule of Events & Maps

Set-up & Logistics: Trafc Control Plan Example

Measurement

Better Block Qualitative Survey – Before

Gender:

Neighborhood:

Whatdoyoulikeaboutthisarea?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Doesitfeelsafe?Yes/NO

Ifno,howwouldyouimprove?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Whatdoyoufeelismissingandwouldbringmorepeoplehere?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Whatwouldenticeyoutowalkorbicyclemorehere?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Howwouldyouliketobeinvolved?

Builder_________Pop-UpShopProprietor__________

Entertainer__________Artist_________Volunteer_________

Better Block Qualitative Survey – During

Gender:

Resident or Visitor:

Whatdoyoulikeaboutthisarea?

Doesitfeelsaferthanbefore?

Ifmoderateorlowsafety,howwouldyouimprove?

Whatdoyoufeelismissingandwouldbringmorepeoplehere?

Whatwouldenticeyoutowalkorbicyclemorehere?

OftheBetterBlockelementsadded(pop-upstores,caféseating,bikelanes,landscaping,etc.)what,

ifany,wouldyouliketoseecontinue?

Better Block Quantitative Metrics Activity Sheet

Auto Speeds (before Better Block)

Date/Time:

Direction A:

Speeds:

Direction B:

Speeds:

Auto Speeds (during Better Block)

Date/Time:

Direction A:

Speeds:

Direction B:

Speeds:

Decibel Levels (before Better Block)

Date/Time:

• Direction A:

 •Decibels:

• Direction B:

 •Speeds:

 •Decibels:

Decibel Levels (during Better Block)

Date/Time:

• Direction A:

 •Speeds:

• Direction B:

 •Speeds:

Catalogue

Before Better Block

 Numberofoutdoorcaféseating:

 Numberofpeoplelingering:

 Numberofonstreetparkingspaces:

During Better Block

 Numberofoutdoorcaféseating:

 Numberofpeoplelingering:

 Numberofonstreetparkingspaces:

Retail Sales (After Better Block)

 Increased/Decreasedbusinesssales%forexistingbusinesses:

Business Name %Increase/Decrease

Evaluate

Survey for Volunteers

1.HowdidyouFIRSTlearnaboutvolunteeropportunitiesfortheBetterBlock?SELECTONE.

 a.TeamBetterBlockWebsite

 b.Anotherorganizationorgroup.Pleaseprovidename

 c.Personal(family,friend,neighbor)

 d.PersonalexperiencewithTeamBetterBlock

 e.TV,newspaperorradio(Pleaseprovidename)

2. Forwhatareasdidyouvolunteer/donate?

3. WereyougivenadequateinformationandtrainingfortheBetterBlock?

 a.Yes

 b.No

 c.Alittle,butnotallIneeded

4. Tellusaboutyourvolunteerexperience.

 a.Didyoufeeltheeffectivenessofyourparticipationwas?

  i.Helpfulandnecessary

  ii.Somewhathelpfulbutnotnecessary

  iii.Nothelpful

 b.Easeofvolunteerprocess

  i.Clearandsimple

  ii.Toocomplicated

  iii.Manageable

 c.Wasthenumberofvolunteers

i. Too many

ii. Too few

  iii.Adequate

5. WouldyouvolunteerforanotherBetterBlock?

  a.Denitelywill

  b.Probablywill

  c.Undecided

  d.Probablywillnotwhy?

  e.Denitelywillnotwhy?

Survey for Participants

1.HowdidyouFIRSTlearnaboutparticipatingintheBetterBlock?SELECTONE.

 a.TeamBetterBlockWebsite

 b.Anotherorganizationorgroup(Pleaseprovidename)

 c.Personal(family,friend,Neighbor)

 d.Anotherorganizationorgroup(Pleaseprovidename)

 e.Personal(family,friend,neighbor)

 f.PersonalexperiencewithTeamBetterBlock

 g.TV,Newspaperorradio(Pleaseprovidename)

h. City staff

2.Whatareadidyouparticipatein?

3.Whichdaydidyouparticipate?

 a.Friday

 b.Saturday

 c.BothFridayandSaturday

4.Ifyouwereavendor,pleasetellushowmuchrevenueyougenerated?

5.Wasthisaboveorbelowyourexpectations?

6.WouldyouparticipateinaBetterBlockProjectagain?

a. Why or why not?

7.WereyougivenadequateinformationfortheBetterBlock?

 a.Yes

 b.No

 c.Alittle,butnotallIneeded

8.WhatwasyouroverallimpressionoftheBetterBlock?

 a.Excellent

 b.Good

 c.Noopinion

 d.Needssomework

 e.Notgoodatall

9.WhatcouldhavebeendonetoimprovetheBetterBlock?

10.Ofthedemonstrations,whichwouldyouliketoseemoreofontheplaza?

 a.Seating

 b.Shade

 c.Plantings

 d.Streetnarrowing

 e.Activities

 f.Bicyclelanes

 g.AngleParking

11.Ifyoucouldrecommendonephysicalchangeforthearea,whatwoulditbe?

Survey for Attendees

12.HowdidyouFIRSTlearnabouttheBetterBlock?SELECTONE.

 a.TeamBetterBlockWebsite

 b.Anotherorganizationorgroup(Pleaseprovidename)

 c.Personal(family,friend,neighbor)

 d.PersonalexperiencewithTeamBetterBlock

 e.Flier

 f.Facebook

 g.TV,newspaperorradio(Pleaseprovidename)

 h.Other(Pleaseexplain)

13.DidyouattendtheBetterBlock?

 a.Yes

 b.No

14. Which day did you attend?

 a.Friday

 b.Saturday

 c.BothFridayandSaturday

15.Ofthedemonstrations,whichwouldyouliketoseemoreofontheplaza?

 a.Seating

 b.Shade

 c.Plantings

 d.Streetnarrowing

 e.Activities

 f.Bicyclelanes

 g.Angleparking

16.Ifyoucouldrecommendonephysicalchangeforthearea,whatwoulditbe?

17.WhatwasyouroverallimpressionoftheAlamoPlazaBetterBlock?

 h.Excellent

i. Good

 j.Noopinion

 k.Needssomework

 l.Notgoodatall

18. WhatcouldhavebeendonetoimprovetheBetterBlock?

CompleteStreetsDesignExample

Better Block Resources

REALTOR

Association Better Blocks:

• HamptonRoadsREALTORS

 •GreaterSouthBend-MishawakaAssociationofREALTORS

• NewOrleansMetropolitanAssociationofREALTORS

Better Block and Similar Organizations

• TheBetterBlock

• TeamBetterBlock

• PopUpHood

Articles, Videos, Interviews, etc. on Better Block

• BetterBlockMovementShowsPotentialinStrugglingNeighborhoods

• NeighborhoodVolunteersHopetoReviveStateStreetwithaBetterBlockProject

• G-sync:Gentrication’sStep-BrotherisEquitablePlanning

• MCLAstudentsunveil‘EagleStreetRising’projecttoshowhowtorevitalizecityblocks

• CrowdsourcingaBetterBlockinMemphis

• 48x48x48:AnInterventioninOysterBay

• Q&AwithTheBetterBlock’sJasonRoberts

• BuildingaBetterBlockDemoisChangingaDallasNeighborhood

• Creatinga‘BetterBlock’:Muskegon’sThirdStreetbusinessdistrictfocusofgrassrootseffort

• HowtoFixthatUglyStrip

• WebinarrecordingonPopUpRetailandCommunityRevitalization

 •ArticleaboutworkinoneneighborhoodinNewHaven,CT:http://www.theatlanticcities.com/

neighborhoods/2013/08/practical-lessons-turning-around-neighborhood-decline/6394/

Better Block Events

• LaAlmaAction(Denver,CO)

• BetterBlockMontgomery(Montgomery,AL)

• BetterBlockKC

• BetterBlockClovelly(Sydney,Australia)

• BetterBlockMiddleborough(Middlesboro,KY)

• BetterBlockBR(BatonRouge,LA)

• BetterBlockOKC(OklahomaCity,OK)

 •BetterBlockBrownsville(Brownsville,TX)

• BetterBlockIndy(Indianapolis,IN)

• CoburgBetterBlock

• BetterBlockre:State(GrandRapids,MI)

 •EagleStreetRising(NorthAdams,MA)

• BetterBlockSt.Joe(St.Joseph,MO)

• BetterBlockFivePoints(Denver,CO)

• BetterBlockFt.Lauderdale(Ft.Lauderdale,FL)

• BetterBlockJeffersonPark(Denver,CO)

• BetterBlockRaceStreetFortWorth(FortWorth,TX)

• GeelongBetterBlock(Australia)

• BetterBlockHouston(Houston,TX)

• BuildingaBetterBlock-ThirdStreetEditionMuskegon

• BetterBlocksPhilly

• AlamoPlaza(SanAntonio,TX)

• Oyster Bay(LongIsland,NY)

• St.PaulBetterBlock(St.Paul,MN)

• BetterBlock#1(Dallas,TX)

• ANewFaceforOldBroad(Memphis,TN)

• NorfolkBetterBlock(Norfolk,VA)

• BetterBlock-Mt.Rainier(Mt.Rainier,MD)

• PopUpPearlBetterBlock(Cleveland,OH)

 •SteerFW(FortWorth,TX)