|
Working in our own
backyard...
Cultivating New Life
in Our City's Oldest Neighborhood
In 2001, Flower Framers launched the idea of a streetscape improvement and beautification plan with local council members in Cincinnati’s historic Over-The-Rhine urban neighborhood. The project soon blossomed into a citywide campaign called “The Miracle Mile.” The goal of the project was to create a feeling of stability and beauty to those who live, work or visit the neighborhood. European-style window boxes grace the facades of these historic circa 1840-1900 Italianate and Victorian townhouses.
The message sent to those who now pass through the area during the summer months is one of, “Welcome! Linger for a moment in our colorful beauty.” As people notice the flowers, they also began to look around at the other rich beauty of the neighborhood – the detailed architecture and the people who live and work there. Just like the first immigrants who built their lives in this multi-cultural neighborhood from German, Irish and Italian descent, the current eclectic mix of residents and businesses continue to add to the neighborhoods rich heritage. These were the streets that raised Cincinnati’s first residents and they will continue to add vibrant life to the vitality of Cincinnati’s future.
More information on is available online
at www.otrchamber.com or by
contacting the Over-the-Rhine Foundation at 513-721-1317.
You can also view the online photos
and Miracle
Mile story on
www.irhine.com - a Cincinnati non-profit organization dedicated to
open communication for transforming this historic neighborhood into a
safe area to live, work and play.
Can we help you?
Are you searching for a streetscape improvement or beautification project for your
Main Street district or historic urban neighborhood?
There are many resources now available for communities wanting to improve their urban areas and
small Main Street districts. Information on developing a leadership group to initiate these types of large scaled revitalization efforts is available through such organizations as the National Trust’s National Main Street Center and Partners for Livable Communities.
Flower Framers can help you implement a streetscape beautification project in your
city or community with our "Window Box
America" Main Street Program. Through this
program, we specialize in partnering with Main Street Directors around
the country to develop a cost-effective window box project that fits
their needs and budget.
Four main factors to consider in
launching a Window Box America
program in your Main Street District or urban beautification project
would be:
1. Community Vision – A collective vision will give the community a focus to make the planning of this project possible. The timetable for implementation will vary in each community. If your community already has an improvement program in place, the “Miracle Mile” beautification segment can fit nicely into the framework you’re already working with.
2. Leadership Group – A group of pro-active community partners should be formed to move the project along. If
your community already has an improvement program in
place, Flower Framers can work directly with your project manager.
3. People – People are needed to do the work – painting, planting and installation. This group can consist of neighborhood residents, service organizations, church groups and volunteer groups.
4. Funding – Sources of funding are necessary to start the project and fundraising is a definite possibility. Raising funds from local residents, businesses and the community will become your biggest challenge, unless you already have a program in place and have set aside funds for this type of project.
We're here to help you get started. Contact your Flower Framers
"Main Street Partner," John Simpkinson at 1-800-315-1805,
ext. 515 or johns@flowerframers.com.
|
