INQ-300 | Revitalizing Main Street

Full Title: Revitalizing Main Street: Re-visualizing/Re-Conceptualizing Place, Commuity, and Space

Topic Description:

The concept of “Main Street” has been the centerpiece of community identity for American cities and small towns since the late 1800s. It evolved beyond a central address into a cultural touchstone that reflects a place’s history, memory, aesthetics, economy, politics, aspirations, and values. Its often romanticized image triggers memories of “good times” in America’s past, and was even immortalized as a Disneyland attraction, “Main Street, U.S.A.” But does this concept of Main Street actually exist in towns today? Is it socially relevant or economically viable in our contemporary world? Is it still a defining presence in a town’s multi-layered identity? Our class will analyze this historical vision of Main Street, study contemporary examples of Main Streets and revitalization projects, and re-visualize/re-conceptualize the shape and form of Main Street as we try to answer the question: How can Main Street be reshaped to play a vital role in our future?

Counts as Global? No

Topic Approved: November 2012