By: Leigh Lynch 

Vice-Chair of the Avondale Estates Downtown Development Authority 

Wow! Fall is absolutely my favorite time of year! The crisp air, the colorful trees, and the steady lineup of weekend festivals make it hard to choose where to go first. After more than 30 years of living in the metro area, I’ve loved exploring all the big-city events, but now I’m happiest staying right here in my own neighborhood. 

Enjoying a Growing Downtown

These days, I don’t have to travel far to find fun. The Town Green and its constant offerings, nightly bands at the Avon Theater, Sundays at the Avondale Estates Farmers Market, and Wine & Vinyl Fire Pit Fridays at The Purple Corkscrew are just a few of my favorite ways to see friends and neighbors out enjoying Avondale Estates. There’s always something happening, and always someone waving to you. That’s what makes this community really shine. 

In 2020, I had the exciting opportunity to join the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), and since then, I’ve learned a ton from my colleagues. I went from not knowing the alphabet soup of MOUs, TADs, and IGAs to developing a solid understanding of how these tools help a city grow and thrive. Most importantly, I’ve come to appreciate just how vital our Central Business District (CBD) is to the life of our community. 

Consistent businesses bring consistent customers, and those customers bring their friends. That kind of steady, organic growth helps build not only a stronger economy but also a stronger sense of place. This brings me to one of my favorite parts of serving on the DDA: placemaking. 

What is Placemaking?

Placemaking is both an idea and a process. It can be as large as a major development like The Dale or The Town Green, or as small as a new mural or a set of bike racks. At its heart, placemaking is about creating spaces where people want to gather, linger, and connect. It’s a people-centered approach to designing, planning, and managing public spaces so they’re vibrant, functional and welcoming. 

The goal is simple: to improve public assets—streets, plazas, and parks—in ways that invite social interaction, support local businesses, and celebrate community identity. When done well, placemaking helps people feel proud of where they live.  

Sustainable Growth

For small cities like Avondale Estates, placemaking isn’t just an urban planning trend; it’s a lifeline for sustainable growth. While big cities can rely on large developments and tourist attractions, smaller communities depend on their people, their sense of belonging, and the everyday experiences that make life meaningful. 

That’s what makes placemaking so powerful here!  By focusing on spaces that encourage connection—from walkable streets to open-air events like the Wine and Art Walk or Avondale Ale Day—the DDA helps ensure that Avondale’s growth feels authentic and community-driven. Each project, no matter how small, adds another layer of charm and energy to our city. 

Economic Benefits of Investing in Placemaking

Placemaking also has real economic benefits. A lively downtown filled with outdoor dining, public art, and friendly sidewalks attracts both residents and visitors. People who spend time downtown are more likely to shop local, eat local, and invest in the community. That steady support keeps businesses healthy and dollars circulating right here at home. 

Balancing Progress with Preservation

But perhaps the most beautiful part of placemaking is how it balances progress with preservation. It allows Avondale Estates to honor its historic Tudor charm while meeting the needs of a modern, creative community. It gives residents a chance to participate, whether by attending local events, offering input on city design, or simply showing up to enjoy it all. 

A People First Plan

Ultimately, placemaking is about people first. It’s how Avondale Estates continues to grow not just in population or development, but in connection, creativity, and spirit. Each gathering spot, mural, or public project tells a story about who we are and where we’re headed. 

So this fall, when you stroll through the farmers market, share a toast at one of our three breweries, or park your bike at one of the new bike racks, take a moment to look around. You’re not just in a beautiful small city, you’re in a community that’s growing together, one great place at a time.