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Dec 28, 2011

Value of Civic Centers as Great Public Spaces


"Civic spaces are an extension of the community. When they work well, they serve as a stage for our public lives. If they function in their true civic role, they can be the settings where celebrations are held, where social and economic exchanges take place, where friends run into each other, and where cultures mix. They are the “front porches” of our public institutions – post offices, courthouses, federal office buildings – where we can interact with each other and with government. When cities and neighborhoods have thriving civic spaces, residents have a strong sense of community; conversely, when such spaces are lacking, people may feel less connected to each other. Great civic spaces are really great public places. They are recognized and valued in their cities and towns as places with their own special flavor that relate to and nurture the larger community and bring the public together.The rewards of transforming a civic space into a great public place go way beyond just the space, although the place in itself enriches the lives of its users and enhances its surrounding buildings and neighborhood. Great public places contribute to community health – whether socially, economically, culturally or environmentally. They add enhancement to the civic realm – not only visually, but also in providing a sense of character and a forum for public activities. They can be anchors for downtowns and communities, acting as focal points for definition and foundations for healthy growth"- Project for Public Spaces

In 1967 discussions began for the new construction of a new public library to replace the Carnegie Library that had served the Niagara Falls community for over 70 years. During the 1960s, numerous proposals were tossed around discussing where the new library should be located; locations downtown and Main Street led the ballot. According to the Niagara Falls Comprehensive Plan of 1966 – 1986, a location proximate to City Hall would be extremely more convenient for library visitors and would not add to downtown congestion during peak tourism season. Several sites near the current city hall location were mentioned but concerns arose over the land acquisition costs associated with such a premier location. There were even suggestions that a new City Hall be built as part of a larger civic center. In 1967, Peter Dicamillo proposed that a new City Hall be erected north of Pine Ave, east of Main St, and west of 7th Ave; the old City Hall building could be used as a library. Obviously, no such proposal was ever acted on and the Earl W. Brydges library designed by architect Paul Rudolph opened on March 9, 1974 at 1425 Main Street; a considerable distance from the proposed civic center adjacent to City Hall. 
Queen Victoria Pa
  Looking back on these events, would Paul Rudolph’s library made sense being located adjacent to city hall and included in a beautiful civic center on Main Street? Do you think this relocation into a civic center would have created a better sense of community in Niagara Falls? Would it have affected the decline of Main Street? Just imagine the architectural uniqueness of such a civic center and public space in Niagara Falls. The landmark City Hall with its Beaux Arts style embodying Neo-Classical Revival architecture paired together with the French Neoclassical style of the Niagara Falls Post Office would have anchored a magnificent public space on Main Street. Other civic buildings such as the courthouse and the library strategically constructed around a beautiful park or the natural beauty of the Niagara Gorge would’ve given Niagara Falls a truly unique space justly warranted by its location as one of the natural wonders of the world. 
Rendering of Niagara Experience Center
           Public spaces are incredibly influential in developing a city's identity. Without great public places, there would be no great cities. Take New York City for example where millions of people visit Rockefeller Center to watch the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree or to stand outside NBC studios hoping to be seen on The Today Show. Take a look across the border where our Canadian counterparts in Niagara Falls, Ontario have developed a unique public realm at Queen Victoria Park and Clifton Hill that attract millions of visitors annually. Does Niagara Falls, New York have a place that represents it and gives it an identity other than the Falls? If plans of great public spaces count then absolutely Yes! Just take a look at the 2009 Comprehensive Plan that identifies numerous spaces including the Cultural District in Downtown Niagara Falls that would create an identity for the city. Old Falls Street with its beautiful vistas and its unique location connecting the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel with the entrance of Niagara Falls State Park is an emerging public space capable of giving the city an identity much like Rockefeller Center has for New York City. Will it continue to grow and enhance the identity of our beloved city?
Old Falls Street

Visit Project for Public Spaces to learn more about the economic, social, and cultural benefits of great civic centers as great public spaces!

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