Connecting the Dots
Creating the Linkages in Your Community
Healthy cities need the appropriate blend of stores and restaurants, as well as cultural and entertainment venues. This does not happen by accident-planning. Rather when it is carried out by experienced retail professionals it leads to powerful and successful cities.
UMC provides a highly focused approach to matching the right retail property with the right tenant. We do this by looking at the big picture-we take into account not just each tenant and development, but how the downtown works and how all the elements can add up to create vibrant and thriving urban living.
Urban Marketing Collaborative, MIG and Atkins Intelligent Space developed a retail district strategy for Downtown Calgary.
UMC was brought back in 2009 to study the effects of their 2002 recommendations and action plan. The results paint a healthy picture for five of the area business districts despite the global economic downturn.
UMC worked with the Downtown Yonge BIA, Toronto to develop a comprehensive retail and office recruitment package. The information concisely illustrates the benefits of locating in the Downtown Toronto market. Information on pedestrian counts, residential, office, hotel, student, and leisure activities is highlighted for potential businesses' consideration.
The City of Ottawa is undergoing a Design Symposium for Lansdowne Park and the proposed development of a multi-use retail, cultural and entertainment centre north of the stadium. J.C. Williams Group has prepared an approach to the portion of the park that could be developed by the Ontario Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG). Click below to view our presentation to the Design Symposium public meeting.
UMC worked in a multi-disciplinary team led by Brook McIlroy to develop Thunder Bay's Waterfront. Read more in Building's April/May 2009 issue.
The retail market analysis for Downtown Grimsby included key person interviews, consumer surveys, retail inventory, and SWOT analysis. The follow up action report prioritized tasks for the DIA, Town, and the Niagara Region. The action plan report will be available shortly.
UMC assisted to develop a retail plan for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
J.C. Williams Group / UMC developed a retail strategy plan for Dubai Creek.
UMC has worked with Central Houston over the past 12 years to assess their retail potential. See the benefits in the Urban Land Institute article.
Check out how UMC helped the Boston Redevelopment Authority create a new brand and place making for Downtown Crossing.
UMC assisted the 125th Street BID to develop a comprehensive river-to-river retail cultural study along this major culturally rich corridor. We are honored to have work with the organization and congratulate them on their American Planning Association's (APA) nomination as one of America's 10 Great Streets. Please find links to the 125th Street BID Website, the article from the APA, and a case study on UMC's work with the area.
UMC has been an instrumental player in developing an arts and entertainment strategy for Downtown Grand Rapids.
The Downtown had a diverse range of arts and entertainment facilities but needed to invest in organizational and Marketing programs to ensure that people visited them.
The case study illustrates how a smaller Downtown can develop a unique competitive positioning based on experiences and attitudes.