10 Great American Public Spaces
What the APA Says: It’s a winner “not only for the historic buildings, thriving retail trade, and carefully maintained streets and walkways,” but also because of its “strong community support.”
Why They’re Right: While the advent of the indoor shopping mall in the 1970’s meant the death of most pedestrian malls, this one—established in 1981—still buzzes with activity. Burlington’s anti-establishment politics and its passionate embrace of cold weather contribute to the success of the four-block-long, brick-paved mall of Victorian, Art Deco, and modern buildings. Church Street Marketplace draws crowds year-round not only for the shops and restaurants, but also through cultural programming, street performers, festivals, art exhibits, concerts, and seasonal celebrations.
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