Many of the JHC Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission’s 24 communities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island aspire to have vibrant, well-maintained, and prosperous downtown areas to serve residents and visitors alike. The size, scale, and experience of these places widely varies according to factors such as population density and location. In general, smaller towns like Millbury and Burrillville represent one end of the spectrum, while Worcester and Providence clearly occupy the other extreme.

Common issues pertaining to downtown revitalization include:

  • the challenge of adapting historic buildings to new uses;
  • attracting businesses to locate downtown;
  • adding housing to the mix of uses;
  • remediating brownfield sites for redevelopment;
  • ensuring that new structures are compatible with existing architectural fabric; and
  • coordinating streetscape and other improvements to enhance the public realm.

 

[ top, right photograph by Taintor & Associates Inc. ]