Placemaking Network

Creating a Retail and Restaurant Row

What does it take to convert a little-used street into a vibrant retail & restaurant row? What are the logistical and political challenges? What are the successful design features? What can the role of such a place be within the urban public realm? Marc Margulies, FAIA will present plans for the upcoming conversion of Thomson Place in Boston’s innovation district, and Signe Nielsen, FASLA will present the conversion of Stone Street in New York City’s financial district, whose success is demonstrated by its popularity over the past ten years. Discussion will follow.

Marc Margulies, FAIA, LEED AP is the founding principal of Margulies Perruzzi Architects, consistently ranked as one of Boston's top architectural and interior design firms. In addition to his professional focus, Marc has been deeply involved in community and philanthropic endeavors. Marc founded the Boston Area Chapter of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) in 1984, and is on the boards of Heading Home, CoreNet, NAIOP, Boys and Girls Club of Boston, North Bennett Street School, and Mount Ida College, and is President of Boston’s Wharf District Council. Marc holds BA and M.Arch degrees from the University of Pennsylvania.

Signe Nielsen, FASLA is the founding principal of Mathews Nielsen, an award-winning design firm whose landscapes respond meaningfully to the people and sites for which they are designed. Signe is a fellow of the ASLA and the recipient of over 100 design awards for public open space projects. She is a Professor of Urban Design and Landscape Architecture at Pratt Institute and currently serves as President for the Public Design Commission of the City of New York. Signe holds degrees in Urban Planning from Smith College; in Landscape Architecture from City College of New York; and in Construction Management from Pratt Institute.

For those who qualify, 1.5 LUs are available

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