A proto-type design that explores ideas on how to extend the life of the streetscape and reinvent underutilized public space.
IDF worked with the DDA to develop new furniture designs and reimagine how we use the valuable public space that is provided adjacent to our mid-block crosswalks - commonly referred to as “bumpouts or curb-projections”. The Streetbar or railing system was designed with materials to bring together our newly renovated Clinch Park Pavilion together with our wayfinding sign system and build on the identity of Front Street and Traverse City as a waterfront community. The Streetbar provides a space to relax in between shopping, check your email, or read the paper and have cup of coffee. The Streetbar also includes a sign panel system designed to be a dynamic environmental design tool - providing a canvas for Downtown Traverse City to seasonally enhance its brand and the opportunity for larger festivals to lease the space during their festivals to enhance their marketing and connection with locals and visitors to Downtown. The Dune Planters were designed with a concept to bring a glimpse of our Lake Michigan shoreline to downtown, using raw materials such as steel and wood together with ornamental grasses that resemble dune grass found along the lakeshore. The Urban Stump Stools were also added for children (and adults) to provide a whimsical interpretation of northern forests and at the same time a place to sit and relax. The Bench design mimics the bench we have along our pier at Clinch Park and again was used to support and strengthen the relationship Downtown has with the bayfront.” -Nathan Elkins, ASLA
Traverse City, Michigan