There’s no doubt that things will look different as Birmingham’s eateries and bars open their doors to welcome back patrons. Customer and employee safety will definitely be top of mind for the city’s bustling culinary scene, so things may look a little different as they adhere to new safety rules. Here are some examples of what restaurants in other cities and states are doing to promote social distancing:
Tampa
As a part of the city’s Lift Up Local Recovery Plan, both restaurants and retailers are allowed to extend their footprint out into city streets and into privately-owned parking lots. All seating —both indoors and outdoors—must be spaced 6-feet apart. And, indoor seating is capped at 25-percent occupancy. Restaurants are also encouraged to give out paper menus and use contactless ordering and payment methods. More info here.
Cincinnati
Starting Friday, May 15, 25 streets will close to allow for more outdoor seating for restaurants downtown and in the Over-The-Rhine area, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer. “Restaurants are critical to the vibrancy in our urban core,” Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley told the outlet. “Shutting down streets and lanes to expand dining so people can come back downtown and get delicious meals will be great.” According to the news outlet, the plan will also extend to neighborhood bars and restaurants.
California
Studio One Eleven suggests that cities in California use proven methods such as parklets and flex zones to expand outdoor seating options. Parklets, used in Long Beach in 2011, involve converting some curbside parking spaces into dining areas. Flex zones temporary pop-up dining areas marked off using colorful spray chalk designs. See more of their suggestions here.
Vilnius
Other countries are also tackling the outdoor seating conundrum. Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, will turn most of the city into an outdoor café in hopes of helping out its bar and restaurant industry. So far, 18 public spaces have opened up, with more expected soon. Read more from The Guardian.
Related News
-
Safeguarding history, one preservation easement at a time
Filed Under: Developer, Front Page, Historic Preservation, Yaysayers
As longtime preservation advocates, we’re also proud to introduce REV’s own Historic Preservation Easement Program, created to help safeguard Birmingham’s irreplaceable architecture while adding long-term value to development projects involving historic properties.
-
Preservation that pays: How historic tax credits can power a downtown revival
Filed Under: Developer, Downtown Birmingham, Front Page, Historic Preservation
For preservation advocates (or “building huggers,” as we like to call ourselves), historic tax credits are essential. They don’t just help save historic buildings — they support local economies, encourage private investment and breathe new life into spaces that shape the identity of our communities.
-
Listing history, building legacy: The National Register’s role in downtown’s historic districts
Filed Under: Front Page, Historic Preservation
We’ve explored downtown Birmingham’s preservation wins and mourned its losses; this time, we’re turning our attention to the tools that help make preservation possible. In this piece, we’ll be diving into what is arguably the most foundational tool — and often the first step — in any preservation project: getting a building or district listed on the National Register of Historic Places.