How A City’s Ordinary Spaces Define Its Greatness

Ever notice how the best parts of a city aren’t just the flashy landmarks but the places you pass by every day? The ones that just work—like the street corner where neighbors stop to chat, the park where kids spend summer evenings, or the sidewalks that still feel welcoming even when there’s a fresh foot of snow?

Aaron M. Renn put it perfectly:  “The mark of a great city isn’t how it treats its special places—everybody does that right—but how it treats its ordinary ones.”

And that’s the truth. Any city can make a shiny new attraction look great. But the real magic happens in the everyday places—where good urban planning makes life easier, more connected, and just plain better.

Think about it:

• ☕ The coffee shop patio with enough comfortable seating for a morning rush.
• 🚶‍♂️ A sidewalk designed wide enough for strollers, wheelchairs, and joggers alike.
• 🛍️ A downtown layout that keeps small businesses thriving.

These things don’t happen by accident. They happen because people care about smart urban planning—and that’s where our Principal Kendra and the Planning and Urban Design team come in.

At Landform, great communities are built one well-designed space at a time. Our team can help you develop your Comprehensive Plan, create ordinances and design better public spaces – we’re here to help shape the places that shape lives.

So, how does your city measure up? Let’s talk about your vision and make it happen. 📞