Named streeteries so they don’t get confused with parklets, these new temporary spaces have been popping up in many cities around the world. The idea behind them is to give people a tiny spot to sit, grab a bite to eat, and relax while also repurposing old parking spaces. Ten years ago, the story would’ve been much different, as it was illegal in most states but with Covid-19 forcing people to opt for outdoor dining, streeteries gained a great deal of traction lately.
As Covid pushed businesses and restaurants into thinking outside of the box, these new, more temporary establishments aren’t quite the ‘parklets’ you are familiar with. They are defined by their ability to set up nearly anywhere with minimum investment. After many restaurants faced dire situations to keep their business afloat during the pandemic, many cities acted quickly and fast tracked the clearances for streeteries. If you own such an establishment or are planning to create one for your business, here’s some tips to keep in mind for running a successful streetery.
Design Options
Despite the name, streeteries are not just places where you can dine – though restaurants have been their main sources – they can be used for other recreational activities too. These days, many gym, bookstore, and clothing store owners are entertaining the idea of streeteries. Their setup usually consists of planters, some wooden planks, and other relatively inexpensive decorations.
They feature distinct design elements mainly consisting of seating, planters, bike racks, artwork, and sometimes coffee tables. Luckily for you, there is no right or wrong way when it comes to designing streeteries. They can be entrenched with many details and decorations as long as you are not disturbing the nearby street traffic. That said, to drive more patrons to your streeteries, you should try to make them look as welcoming as possible.
They Are More Than Just Good Business
Streeteries tend to build a sense of community and togetherness. One of the main considerations while building your own streetery is flexibility. No matter how big or small the space is, you can make the best out of it. The beauty of streeteries is you can use moveable furniture and planters to adjust to the changing needs. Some might argue the point but the adaptability of streeteries is what makes them so popular.
In addition, they rely on community efforts – seeing how many restaurant owners, businesses, and community groups are interested in pitching ideas – you can join hands with other interested patrons to help build your streetery.
The Future
While streeteries seem like a great idea on paper, the more important question is, how do they stand against the elements of nature? What happens when it gets too damp in the rains or too cold in the winters? Some might even question the efficacy and future of these outdoor spaces when fewer people dine outside. Unfortunately, there are no concrete answers to these questions, as streeteries are such a new phenomenon.
However, it seems highly unlikely cities and citizens would rescind what can be considered a great way to utilize America’s public spaces. Many cities are changing their rules swiftly around streeteries, which will allow more people to participate in this trend and help it grow. So if you are gravitating towards the idea of opening your own streetery, there is no time like the present.
If you are looking to enrich the look of your streetery, we at TerraCast can provide resin planters, lighting solutions, and more. We believe in your idea of creating a space for your community where everyone can come together for a good time after a two-year hiatus. If you are looking for rewarding ways to design your streetery, we’d be more than happy to come alongside you to help you complete your project.