Placemaking that attracts people and investment
Economic development is often associated with large commercial projects, infrastructure, and big public–private investments. But there’s another dimension—one that goes beyond dollars and cents and speaks to the fabric of a community.
At last month’s Michigan Municipal League annual conference, I was reminded of the power of “third places.”
What Are “Third Places,” Really?
Home, Work and the Social Commons in Between
Think of your home as your first space and your workplace as your second. A third place is where people gather informally—cafés, libraries, park benches, gyms, galleries. These authentic environments create opportunities for connection, conversation, and community.
Consultant Allyson Brunette, a Wisconsin-based expert on placemaking, explained how young adults especially crave the real-world social connections offered by these spaces. She shared an example from her hometown in upstate New York, where city leaders tried to make a natural gathering spot unwelcome to teens by banning skateboarders and installing “no loitering” signs. It didn’t work. The need for a third place is innate—the teens showed up anyway.
The Economic Case for Third Places
From Belonging... to Foot Traffic... to Local Spend
Where are the third places in your community? How are they nurtured? These spaces are not digital—though social media can help promote them, and interactive elements can enhance them. True third places take shape as people use them. They encourage lingering, create repeat visits, and translate belonging into foot traffic and local spending.
Trust, Pride, and Talent Attraction
Third places shape identity, build trust, and strengthen civic pride. A modest town square fountain or pocket park can become a beloved landmark. Community events and volunteer opportunities tied to these spaces often outperform expectations—and help with talent attraction and retention.
Public Art as a Catalyst
(Not a Nice-to-Have)
Art Turns Intersections into Destinations
Public art can transform an overlooked corner into a gathering spot, spark conversation, and even drive tourism. It inspires and adds to a community’s story.
Landmarks That Spark Conversation—and Visits
A panel on public art at the September MML conference highlighted Michigan examples, big and small:
Sterling Heights
The “Halo” (sometimes nicknamed the “Golden Bu**hole” or “Golden Onion Ring”) on M-59 draws memes and mixed reactions, but it’s a win: a memorable gateway, a conversation starter, and part of a broader Golden Corridor strategy. The city also invests in murals and sculptures.
Grand Rapids
Home of ArtPrize, the city shows how murals, sculptures, and engaging public spaces create shared identity. One example: a mural on a sports court adds vibrancy to Heartside Park.
Rogers City
Vivid wall murals nod to the city’s nautical identity and attract renowned artists.
How to Identify and Nurture Third Places in Your City
Audit:
Where Do People Already Linger?
Map the benches, corners, and cafés where people naturally gather. Note dwell time, age diversity, and nearby small businesses.
Activate:
Seating, Shade, and Small Programming
Improve comfort (seating, shade, lighting, winterization) and test low-lift activation (buskers, chalk art, pop-up markets).
Invite:
Youth, Seniors, and Local Creators
Give teens a stake, engage seniors, and collaborate with local artists and makers. Shared stewardship builds respect and reduces friction.
Looking Ahead: Make Community Identity Magnetic
Michigan cities are getting creative about funding public art and telling authentic stories about what makes their communities unique. The question many are asking: What makes our town unique—and how do we showcase it more often and more boldly?
Community identity must be rooted in place. When nurtured through third places and public art, that identity becomes magnetic—for residents, visitors, and future talent.
Work With CRIMSON on Placemaking and Brand Strategy
From Story to Street: Strategy, Funding Narratives, and Rollout
At CRIMSON, we help communities and economic-development groups with placemaking, brand refinement, and initiatives that move the needle on job creation and resident attraction. We’re equally curious about the murals, benches, and cafés that quietly stitch a community together.
Let’s keep the conversation going. Where are the third spaces in your town? Share them with me on LinkedIn or at jennette@crimsonagency.com.
Connect with CRIMSON
Simply put – we love this sector! Reach out to CRIMSON today if these concepts intrigue you and you are in the market for building or renovating your construction sector brand.
