Highlights
2012-09-21 Bloomberg BNA
Mixed-Use developer uses ‘Crowdsourcing’ to guide repurposing of aging suburbs
BNA chats with Renaissance Downtowns Vice President of Marketing and Public Affairs, Brandon Palanker, in this extensive interview discussing the CSPM System and its central role in urban revitalization.
2011-07-08 The New York Times
You ‘Like’ It, They Build It
A story on how the City of Bristol is seeking to lure back young professionals by partnering with a Long Island developer, Renaissance Downtowns, to create a plan to re-energize the central business district with a mix of housing, stores, restaurants and public spaces, utilizing the CSPM System.
2012
Bristol Rising, Bristol, CT: 2012-11-28 The Bristol Press The Bristol Press Bristol Rising starts year no. 3 with busy schedule
Today, 2,295 folks are registered at BristolRising.com, watching and participating in the plans to rebuild and revitalize downtown.
Source the Station, Huntington Station, NY: 2012-11-01 The Long Islander Residents ‘Sourcing The Station’
Source the Station’s third member meet-up addressed community members’ ideas for a new multi-functioning community center, a bike path and a restaurant row in the downtown Huntington Station area.
2012-08-08 The Bristol Press Pop Up Piazza exceeds expectations despite heat
Despite spiking heat and oppressive humidity, organizers say 20,000 revelers turned out for Saturday’s Pop Up Piazza making the second annual event a resounding success.
Source the Station, Huntington Station, NY: 2012-07-24 Vision Long Island Renaissance Downtowns cuts ribbon on Huntington Station Community Outreach Center
This week Huntington Supervisor Frank Petrone and members of the town board cut the ribbon and opened Renaissance Downtown’s community outreach center on New York Avenue. This marked the beginning of Renaissance Downtowns’ “Source the Station Campaign”.
Renew Hempstead, Hempstead, NY: 2012-07-19 New York Real Estate Journal Renew Hempstead a driving force behind the areas $2 billion mixed-use redevelopment
Hempstead, NY Renew Hempstead, one of the state’s first Crowdsourced Placemaking communities, has become a driving force in the area’s $2 billion mixed-use redevelopment.
Source the Station: 2012-07-18 Newsday Huntington Station developer opens office
Renaissance Downtowns Huntington Station, the master developer hired by the town last summer to revitalize the area, plans to officially open its offices on Wednesday. Residents can come in and speak to representatives about redevelopment plans for the New York Avenue corridor.
Renew Hempstead: 2012-07-11 Newsday Hempstead village approves downtown zoning
“History was made tonight on Long Island,” said Donald Monti, chief executive of Renaissance Downtowns, who is working with UrbanAmerica Advisors on the downtown makeover. “Hempstead is moving forward, and it’s open for business.”
Bristol Rising: 2012-07-02 The Hartford Courant Bristol’s ‘Pop Up Piazza’ Returns For Second Year
Renaissance Downtowns and Bristol Rising are planning an encore of the “Pop Up Piazza” festival.
Source the Station: 2012-06-29 The Long Island Business News Huntington Station preps for comeback
Renaissance Downtowns, the designated master developer for the revitalization of downtown Huntington Station, will open its office there next month.
Renew Hempstead: 2012-06-27 The New York Real Estate Journal RDUA launches Renew Hempstead website
Hempstead, NY – Renaissance DowntownsUrbanAmerica LLC (RDUA), designated master developer for the Village of Hempstead’s downtown redevelopment project, has recently launched an interactive, bilingual website www.renewhempstead.com.
Bristol Rising: 2012-06-27 The Bristol Press Bristol Rising to lure their favorite hot spots downtown
Bristol, CT – Renaissance Downtowns is encouraging Bristol Rising members to market downtown as an additional location to their favorite restaurants, pubs, shops and entertainment venues. Bristol Rising, a local group of volunteers, is working with the developer, Renaissance
Bristol Rising: 2012-06-27 The Bristol Press Bristol Rising members to market city where they shop, dine
Bristol, CT – Renaissance Downtowns is encouraging Bristol Rising members to market downtown as an additional location to their favorite restaurants, pubs, shops and entertainment venues.
Bristol Rising: 2012-06-15 Bristol Press Business awards given out at Chamber of Commerce dinner
Spirit of Bristol Award went to the Renaissance Downtowns at Bristol and Bristol Rising, for their efforts in changing the way the community thinks about the city’s future.
Bristol Rising: 2012-06-14 Bristol Press Piazza with the works: Zoners give unanimous OK to Renaissance plan
The city’s Zoning Commission gave its unanimous blessing Wednesday to zoning concepts proposed in a unified downtown development project plan for Depot Square by the Long Island-based Renaissance Downtowns.
Renew Hempstead: 2012-06-01 The Hempstead Beacon Renew Hempstead: It’s Your Village, and We’re Listening!
The people of Hempstead have an unprecedented opportunity – right now – to make their voices heard.
Bristol Rising: 2012-05-01 Bristol Press Bristol’s first cash mob hits Mike’s Tortoise & the Hare Cafe
The main focus is to get people to come downtown, to eat at a local restaurant, then pop over to another store to purchase something — whether it’s Super Natural, Razzleberries or the Churn Ice Cream Shoppe — and supporting local businesses instead of leaving town.
Renew Hempstead: 2012-05-01 Hempstead Living An Update on the Downtown Redevelopment Plan
The downtown redevelopment plan between the Incorporated Village of Hempstead, Renaissance Downtowns and Urban America to revitalize the main street area is moving forward with great anticipation.
Bristol Rising: 2012-04-20 The Bristol Observer Grab your cash, it’s a ‘Cash Mob’
Renaissance Downtowns Community Liaison Mark Walerysiak said that analogy is comparable to when people hear “spend your money locally.”
Visualize Nashua: 2012-03-29 The Nashua Patch (Farmers) Market Adjustment
Organizers are looking forward to a bigger, better downtown farmers market.
Visualize Nashua: 2012-03-26 The Nashua Telegraph Visualize Nashua leads tour of Franklin Street Mill
More than 150 people gathered together Saturday afternoon to tour one of the city’s biggest but least glamorous buildings: The Franklin Street Mill.
Bristol Rising: 2012-03-26 Bristol Press CHAMBER VIEWS: Announcing the Chamber’s 2012 Award Winners
Spirit of Bristol Award: For their efforts in changing the way we think about the city’s future ,our 2012 winners are Renaissance Downtowns at Bristol and Bristol Rising.
Visualize Nashua: 2012-03-12 Nashua Telegraph Group’s goal is to enliven downtown Nashua
The two dozen people present in the firm’s office at 88 Main St. for the Thursday “meetup” were enthusiastic about a push for another community garden where people can raise flowers or vegetables on raised beds…
Bristol Rising: 2012-02-27 Bristol Press Bristol Rising to combine websites for more public input
Before the month is over, a long-awaited change is expected to be completed in Bristol Rising’s most prominent crowd-sourcing tool.
Renew Hempstead: 2012-02-22 Newsday New Website for Development Project
The developers in charge of Hempstead Villages downotwn revitalization project recently launched an interactive, bilingual website to encourage residents to participate in the process.
Bristol Rising: 2012-02-13 Bristol Press Our View: A chance to shape Bristol
Rather than allow an outside developer to impose its vision of the city’s new downtown, Bristol Rising continues to seek input from residents — current and future — to describe a place they can envision themselves living in.
Visualize Nashua: 2012-02-10 Nashua Patch CrowdSourcing the Downtown
“Potential” is a word we think we understand. But break it down and you will see that visualizing the potential something has – the city’s downtown, for example –is all about harnessing the “potent” power a community has over its surroundings.
Renew Hempstead: 2012-02-10 Newsday Hempstead names Main Street key developer
Renaissance Downtowns Urban America was deemed master developer for the Village of Hempsteads $2 billion plan to revitalize the Main Street area.
Bristol Rising: 2012-02-02 Better Cities and Towns Social network assists downtown rebirth
Bristol Rising in Connecticut is one of the most comprehensive small city redevelopment plans in the US.
Bristol Rising: 2012-01-23 The Bristol Press Planting the idea for carrotmobs
Ryan Porter, the project manager of Renaissance Downtowns Bristol, said the Carrotmobs can make a difference.
Bristol Rising: 2012-01-19 The Bristol Press Vote for a housing type, Bristol Rising is told
If you haven’t voted yet for your favorite style of housing units for the Renaissance Downtowns Bristol project, Ryan Porter is hoping that you do so soon.
Bristol Rising: 2012-01-06 The Bristol Press Developer Gauging Interst in Styles of Downtown Housing
Renaissance Downtowns is on its way to developing Depot Square, and is utilizing Bristol Rising to the max to make sure the residents of the city have a say in what they would like to see in their future downtown.
Bristol Rising: 2012-01-01 The Bristol Press OUR VIEW: Bristol in 2012: A new year, a new outlook
“And watch out downtown — between Renaissance Downtowns and the grassroots Bristol Rising, we hope to see shovels in the ground in the first phase of a real revival in Depot Square and the surrounding area.”
Bristol Rising: 2012-01-01 The Bristol Press 12 (plus 3) PEOPLE TO WATCH IN 2012: Some likely newsmakers
Ryan Porter and Mark Walerysiak of Renaissance Downtowns are noted as people to watch in 2012! Congrats guys!
2011
Bristol Rising: 2011-12-01 Providence Journal Tweet a new downtown for Bristol, Conn.
From a New York Times article about Renaissance Downtowns, among several intriguing aspects of the plan was its use of social media to learn what Bristolians want in their new downtown.
CSPM/Renaissance Downtowns: 2011-11-22 Urban Land Institute Social Media and Engagement: Case Studies of CRE and New Media
Renaissance Downtowns developed what it calls “crowd-sourced place making,” which included in-person meetings, but placed the internet at the heart of the campaign. The company created an online forum on Facebook along with an online voting application that allowed people to go online and speak with the developer.
Bristol Rising: 2011-11-20 The Bristol Press Popping with ideas: Website gives residents a voice in downtown redevelopment
Everything starts with an idea, and there is no shortage of ideas for downtown redevelopment being floated at gobristolsurvey.com, Bristol Rising’s survey site.
Bristol Rising: 2011-11-17 The Bristol Press Bristol Rising turns 1; Four new venues targeted to open
Bristol Rising celebrated its first birthday Wednesday night at Bare Bones, the first venue created to lure people to the city center, a downtown that Renaissance Downtowns is to reshape in the coming years.
Renew Hempstead: 2011-11-03 The New York Observer Long Island Development Called “Significant”
A mixed-use development project for downtown Hempstead, Long Island, was officially deemed a “Project of Regional Significance,” by the Long Island Regional Planning Council, it was announced yesterday.
Bristol Rising: 2011-10-13 Multi Family Executive The Weekly Download: Social Media vs. Nimbyism with Renaissance Downtown’s Brandon Palanker
“While you were driving home from work Tuesday night, Plainview, N.Y.– based developer Renaissance Downtowns was getting unanimous approval for a $1.5 billion redevelopment plan for a 17-acre former shopping mall in Bristol, Conn.”
Bristol Rising: 2011-10-11 The Bristol Press Ultimate OK: Council approves concept plan; names Renaissance developer
After months of review that stirred up little opposition, city councilors Tuesday gave their unanimous blessing to a concept plan for downtown that would create new housing, retail and office space on the former mall site across from City Hall.
Bristol Rising: 2011-10-06 Nashua Patch Plan for Pedestrian Promenade Takes Shape
Fueled by pizza and Coke, a dozen or so residents spent Wednesday evening discussing the stuff dreams are made of.
Bristol Rising: 2011-09-11 The Bristol Press OUR VIEW: Look who’s creating the revitalized Bristol
Ordinary people are taking the city’s fate into their own hands and shaping it into a place where artists and poets, politicians and working folk can come together to create a better future for their city.
Bristol Rising: 2011-09-05 The Bristol Press Signup begins day before road race on Main Street
Pre-registration begins on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bare Bones, 184 Main St. for Saturday’s road race to benefit both the new a café slated to open soon at that location, and the Bristol Historical Society. The event was sponsored by Bristol Rising, a grassroots effort with the goal of revitalizing downtown Bristol in collaboration with Renaissance Downtowns.
Bristol Rising: 2011-08-24 The Bristol Press Bare Bones 5K hopes to build on ‘Pop Up Piazza’ success
That event, sponsored by Bristol Rising, a growing grass roots effort with the goal of revitalizing downtown Bristol in collaboration with Renaissance Downtowns, was considered a huge success in reclaiming the city center.
Bristol Rising: 2011-08-06 The Bristol Press ‘Pop Up Piazza’ a smashing success
Thousands of city residents flocked downtown Saturday to take part in the “Pop Up Piazza” festival put on by Renaissance Downtowns and its online advocacy group, Bristol Rising.
Bristol Rising: 2011-07-20 Mashable How 3 Cities Are Crowdsourcing for Community Revitalization
Cities are beginning to benefit from crowdsourcing methods to gather input from residents and apply the information they receive to make tangible improvements to communities and neighborhoods.
Bristol Rising: 2011-07-11 The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Crowdsourcing The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Crowdsourcing
The city of Bristol, Connecticut (pop. 61,000), crowdsourced ideas for a local site revitalization project. The city had a vacant 17-acre former shopping mall site. The developer, Renaissance Downtowns, turned to “crowdsourced placemaking” company CoolTown Beta Communities (cooltownbeta.com), which specializes in gathering “beta communities” to come together to help innovate community-oriented places.
Bristol Rising: 2011-06-23 The Bristol Press Piazza participants are popping up all over
The event, run by Renaissance Downtowns in collaboration with Bristol Rising, is meant to show residents some of the possibilities for culture, fun and entertainment that will be possible at the piazza that Renaissance plans to build. The piazza will be a public space that will be built along with the large residential and commercial-retail development planned for the former Mall at Bristol Centre site in the middle of Downtown Bristol.
Bristol Rising: 2011-06-23 The Bristol Press Luxury townhouses, micro-lofts considered for downtown
As the expansive redevelopment plans for downtown move forward, the project developer is touting a range of new housing that would bring people to the heart of the city and jumpstart commercial efforts.
Bristol Rising: 2011-06-13 The Bristol Press Videos competition to show how Bristol is Rising
In an effort to help revitalize Downtown Bristol and promote the local arts, JACOB (Joint Artists Collective of Bristol), Renaissance Downtowns, and Bristol Rising have formed a partnership to hold a city-wide competition for the best viral video promoting how Bristol Rising is positively impacting Downtown Bristol.
Bristol Rising: 2011-05-13 The Bristol Press What have you been waiting for?
How you can get involved in Bristol Rising by David Fortier’s column “Around the House”
Bristol Rising: 2011-04-28 The Bristol Press Downtown vision: A hotel, housing, shops, and of course, a piazza
Playing to a full and friendly house inside City Council chambers Thursday, leaders at Renaissance Downtowns unveiled their concept plan for remaking Bristol’s downtown.
Renew Hempstead: 2011-04-22 The New York Times Developers Reimagine Project
In January, Renaissance Downtowns of Plainview and UrbanAmerica of Manhattan teamed up as the exclusive developers to reimagine a mix of multifamily housing, restaurants, shops, offices and green spaces within easy walking distance of the bus and train terminals.
Bristol Rising: 2011-04-01 The Bristol Observer Bristol Rising discusses plan of attack
Nearly 45 supporters attended the most recent Bristol Rising meeting last Tuesday to discuss action plans and programs that can be implemented in the future downtown.
Bristol Rising: 2011-03-14 The Bristol Press Bristol Rising gets a nod of support from Malloy
In his remarks, Malloy said he likes the kind of “smart growth” planned for downtown Bristol. “I support Bristol Rising,” Malloy said.
Bristol Rising: 2011-03-09 The Bristol Observer Gathering for pasta and stepping forward
The evening started with some cheerleading by Nuchie’s Dave Pasqualicchio who welcomed everyone to Nuchie’s and encouraged them to get involved.
Bristol Rising: 2011-03-08 The Bristol Press OUR VIEW: Saluting good citizens
Renaissance Downtowns, the developer chosen to transform the site of the old downtown mall, has been encouraging Bristol residents to get involved in the project and bring their ideas forward — to make it their own.
Bristol Rising: 2011-02-27 The Bristol Press Young adults drawn to Bristol’s revitalization
The young adults are impressed by the way Renaissance is approaching the project. Lindsay Vigue said she loves that they’re quick to embrace an idea and don’t hesitate to give something a try.
Bristol Rising: 2011-02-19 The Bristol Observer Depot Square and Downtown Update February
From day one, Renaissance planned to take on the project comprehensively, visioning underutilized parcels for their highest and best usage. In the end, Renaissance can snap these small area plans together like puzzle pieces to create a fully integrated downtown.
Bristol Rising: 2011-02-11 The Bristol Observer Fun, information and on-line… Bristol Rising
We held a virtual meeting in an online chat room through Bristol Rising. Bristol Rising is the online site where anyone interested in the development of Bristol’s new city center can find out everything that is happening.
Bristol Rising: 2011-02-04 The Bristol Observer Help Renaissance shape Bristol’s downtown
Columnist Dave Fortier talks about his experience at a Renaissance Downtowns Bristol Rising meeting.
Bristol Rising: 2011-02-04 The Bristol Observer Depot Square and Downtown Update
Last week we gave a general overview of the big ticket research, studies, and planning efforts thus far.
Bristol Rising: 2011-01-28 The Bristol Press Bristol Rising turning ideas into action
Brainstorming has turned into action for the downtown development process.
Bristol Rising: 2011-01-21 The Bristol Press Ideas Keep Coming for Bristol Rising
“We’re looking to you to come up with the ideas,” Renaissance community liaison Mark Walerysiak told Bristol Rising crowd members Wednesday night at Cafe Buono.
Renew Hempstead: 2011-01-20 Long Island Business News Hempstead picks developer
A joint venture of Plainview-based Renaissance Downtowns and Urban America has been selected as the exclusive developer by the village in its long quest for renewal of a mostly blighted and underutilized section of its downtown.
Bristol Rising: 2011-01-16 The Bristol Press WEB SPECIAL Renaissance reports on progress
Renaissance Downtown is providing bi-weekly updates about its work on the Depot Square project. Click to read their first report.
Bristol Rising: 2011-01-13 The Bristol Press Downtown development get-together a hit
Dave Pasqualicchio, co-owner of Nuchie’s banquet facility, said he was so impressed with a presentation on plans for the city’s downtown that he vowed to provide a free pasta dinner for hundreds of city residents just to get them to hear it, too.
2010
Bristol Rising: 2010-12-23 Common Ground Attracting the Talent
“What does the market want? That’s where crowdsourcing comes in,” says Brandon Palanker, director of new business development at Renaissance Downtowns, the New York firm chosen to lead the Bristol project.
Bristol Rising: 2010-12-15 The Bristol Press Bristol Rising draws non-geek enthusiasm
Bristol Rising, open to anyone with an interest in the downtown Bristol project now in the planning stages with Long Island developer Renaissance Downtowns, does most of its work online but holds monthly meetings in public places so people can get together, brainstorm and talk.
Bristol Rising: 2010-12-07 The Bristol Press City’s ‘Rising’ group to meet in traditional way
Bristol meet up with video explanation of Crowdsourced Placemaking
Bristol Rising: 2010-11-16 The Bristol Press Website allows Bristol residents to give input for city developments
With help from a Washington, D.C., technology consultant, Renaissance Downtowns is trying to build a group of supporters for the downtown Bristol project who congregate in person, but also in a new online format called crowdsourcing.
Bristol Rising: 2010-10-22 The Bristol Press A new ‘Renaissance’ starts in Bristol
Work toward a new city downtown is increasingly — and impressively — being done by Renaissance Downtowns, said the chairman of the agency overseeing the project.
Bristol Rising: 2010-09-23 The Bristol Observer Renaissance Downtowns cuts ribbon for office
Mayor Art Ward said, given the economic times, the city is very fortunate to have a developer who’s not only committed to the project, but committed to the city.
Bristol Rising: 2010-06-04 The Bristol Observer City, developer sign agreement for downtown
I think it’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Said Mayor Art Ward.