The idea behind Streetscapes, Inc. came into focus when I started working with the public works department in a couple of major cities. That experience pushed me to learn more about public spaces, then economic development, then tax incremental finance and business improvement districts. That in turn led me to an interest in main streets and redevelopment authorities and the role they play in creating and maintaining public spaces.
Being a bookworm and information geek, I discovered that the street furniture industry. was fragmented into a group of specialty products, each with their own niche. I discovered that the different styles of street furniture rarely changed and I discovered that not much thought was being given to the human interaction and dynamics that take place in public spaces.
And I discovered that street furniture had not kept up the changes that were taking place in the world. The public was being encouraged to ride public transportation. Neighborhood business districts were being planned into new communities to reduce our dependency on the automobile. And there was a newly found desire to create public spaces in which people interacted with each other, exchanged goods and services and knowledge.
Streetscapes, Inc. was created to consolidate those unique groups of city furniture and site amenities into a single comprehensive package through a single source. We researched manufacturers from around the world. And we made it a point to connect with manufacturers who celebrated public spaces and the interactions that take place in them. And we found manufacturers who celebrated the importance of livability and sustainability and the impact it has on our planet.
If you take a look at my involvement in the contract furniture industry, Streetscapes, Inc. is a perfect match for the education and insights I’ve acquired. As a contract furniture sales representative, manufacturer representative and public works/utility sales manager, I have a wealth of knowledge related to the interaction between furniture and people. I’ve worked with many different customers in a variety of markets – downtowns and main streets, hospitals and medical clinics, restaurants and café’s, master planned communities, shopping centers and parks – all from which I’ve drawn inspiration.
Streetscapes, Inc. is very exciting business from an operational perspective too.We can produce furniture layouts, manage projects and installation, find solutions to special product needs and work with both the public and private sectors. Our continued collaboration with architects, interior and urban designers and community planners are important to our goal of creating a new standard for public spaces.
Make no mistake about it. Streetscapes, Inc. is uniquely positioned to become the market leader for furniture and site amenities involving public and pedestrian spaces. We’d welcome a conversation about your next public or pedestrian project!
