Main Street Design Handbook | Public Space Design Guide | Main Street America

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People-Centered Design

The Main Street Approach Design Handbook is intended to help Main Street directors and community leaders implement a people-centered design process. It explores the range of issues that impact the physical characteristics of a downtown and provides you with a roadmap for navigating the set of choices involved in implementing holistic design principles to ensure they complement the overall strategy for your downtown.

The handbook is divided into three sections — 1) Commercial District Planning and Design, 2) Building Architecture and Design, and 3) Making the Case for Quality Design. Each section has an accompanying resource webpage that includes additional information, research, and articles. Members can download the complete handbook or check out individual sections below.

This publication is only available to members of Main Street America. Not a member? Join today.

This handbook was made possible thanks to support from The 1772 Foundation, Inc.

This handbook was made possible thanks to support from The 1772 Foundation, Inc.

Sunset image of Downtown Florence.

Downtown Florence, South Carolina © True Light Photography

Join Main Street

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