main street research project - Academic Technology Center ...

and engage in activities with other community members. Therefore, preserving and maintaining
an aesthetically appealing public area is important in order to create a welcoming feeling in any
downtown.
As shown by Figure 3-1, Waltham has a well-kept public area called the Waltham Common,
which is located along a section of Main Street. This space adds a very appealing, friendly
atmosphere to downtown Waltham. The Waltham Common is also a place where families and
friends gather for social events. During the warmer seasons, cultural fairs, festivals and concerts
are held on the Common as both a source of entertainment and a way to bring the community
together.
In addition to the Common, Main
Street is adorned with historical
buildings which add to the atmosphere
of the downtown area. One example is
the Waltham Public Library, which has
been renovated several times. The
library‘s numerous renovations show
the city‘s dedication to maintaining the
aesthetic appeal of the area. The
gardens in front of the Waltham Public
Library, as shown in Figure 3-2, have
been tended to and maintained by the
Waltham Gardening Club in order to
Figure 3-2: Waltham Public Library
add to the building‘s appeal. The
Waltham Gardening Club serves as an example of how, with the help of community involvement
and dedication, the appearance of the public areas can continue to improve.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Well-preserved public areas serve as positive trademarks for downtown Waltham. They also help
to motivate business owners to improve their properties‘ visual appeal and bring uniformity to
the downtown area. Areas like these could be used as a model to further improve the aesthetic
appearance of other public spaces around the city of Waltham. Members of the Waltham
community should take these attractive qualities into consideration for their own use and work to
make positive changes in the downtown area.
BUSINESS DECOR
Landscaping is essential to the atmosphere and appeal of any downtown area. Many business
owners realize that by improving the landscaping on Main Street, they are taking a step towards
creating a better foundation for the economic environment of the downtown area. An appealing
green area in front of a business helps to attract more customers through visual stimulation, as
shown in Figure 3-3 and Figure 3-4. Here, the Watertown Savings Bank and the Reynolds &
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