Community Transforms Street Overnight

Local residents bring life back a desolate line of shops in Oak Cliff, a streetcar suburb of Dallas, overnight. The intention of the Better Block project is to demonstrate the value of pedestrian friendly spaces and encourage future investments.

1 minute read

September 14, 2010, 12:00 PM PDT

By Tim Halbur


Non-profit Go Oak Cliff reports on their blog about the overnight transformation:

"First, we had to bring landscaping back. Dallas is hot, and people want shade seeing these old buildings tree lined dramatically improved the area. The middle turn lane, which is only needed at the intersections but runs the entire length of the block, was reclaimed with 100 shrubs that gave an extra layer of safety for families crossing the street.

To make a space feel more humane, and inviting to people, we looked at all of the obstacles facing us. Intersections were the most glaring with little to no cross walks. Here, we recreated our own Abbey Road.

Mid-century lights, which had burned out years ago were painted lively colors and given a second chance at life. When looking at what is necessary to bring people out in a community, perception of safety ranks as the highest priority. Lighting is a key element, and an easy way to revive an area is to begin changing burned-out/broken light bulbs."

Thanks to Zac Lytle

Tuesday, September 14, 2010 in Go Oak Cliff

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