Pop-Up Project

Come back now, ya hear! by RPCGB ft. Space One ElevenExisting ConditionAvondale, Alabama2013

In this Spore Borne Air by Environmental GraffitiInspirational Case StudyMoss Graffiti2013

Vacant Lot turned Art ParkPop-Up AvondaleMay 4, 2014

Abstract Painting by Trent ThomasArtist’s Previous WorkSpace One Eleven2013

Re-imagining Your Waste by Apartment TherapyInspirational Case StudyApartmenttherapy.com2013

Old Face for a New Broad by Memphis Open StreetsInspirational Case StudyOpen Streets Project2012

The Park Behind Bars by RPCGB ft. Space One ElevenPublic Space To-BeAvondale, Alabama2013

Friday Afternoon by RPCGB ft. Space One ElevenExisting ConditionAvondale, Alabama2013

Abandoned Building turned Bike Repair ShopPop-Up AvondaleMay 4, 2013

Hop Scotch Trash Can by Trend HunterInspirational Case Studytrendhunter.com2013

Urban Mural by Space One Eleven StudentsArtist’s Previous WorkSpace One Eleven1993-1995

Portman/Pullman Museum by RPCGBExisting Site ConditionBessemer, AL2013

Pop-Up Park Centrale by RPCGBExisting Site ConditionBessemer, AL2013

Patiently Waiting by RPCGBExisting Site ConditionAvondale, AL2013

Something’s Missing by RPCGBExisting Site ConditionAvondale, AL2013

Bessemer Transportation Plan by RPCGBPast RPCGB ExhibitionBeforeBessemer, AL

Bessemer Transportation Plan by RPCGBPast RPCGB Exhibition

AfterBessemer, AL

Volunteer Check-In Pop-Up BessemerAugust 10, 2013

Entreprenuers set up a Pop-Up ShopPop-Up Avondale

May 4, 2014

Pop‐UpGuidebook

A beginners guide to tactical urbanism

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TableofContentsI. What is a ‘Pop‐Up’?............................................................................................................................... 4

What is a ‘Pop‐Up’?................................................................................................................................... 4

Our Story: .................................................................................................................................................. 4

A Note about Scale .................................................................................................................................... 5

II. Ideas and Purpose ................................................................................................................................. 6

Complete the Streets (Temporary Bike Lanes) ......................................................................................... 6

Tactical Urbanism ...................................................................................................................................... 8

Storefronts ............................................................................................................................................ 8

Art parks ................................................................................................................................................ 8

Bike Racks .............................................................................................................................................. 8

Greening ................................................................................................................................................ 8

Way finding ........................................................................................................................................... 8

III. More Technical Design Standards and Guidance ............................................................................. 9

Standards .................................................................................................................................................. 9

Technical Guidance Tools.......................................................................................................................... 9

Design Guidance ....................................................................................................................................... 9

IV. Funding Mechanisms ...................................................................................................................... 11

Sponsorship Packages ............................................................................................................................. 11

Gifts In Kind ............................................................................................................................................. 11

AARP .................................................................................................................................................... 12

United Way ......................................................................................................................................... 12

Space One Eleven‐ .............................................................................................................................. 12

Your Sources ....................................................................................................................................... 12

V. Media .................................................................................................................................................. 13

Public Relations ....................................................................................................................................... 13

Facebook ............................................................................................................................................. 13

Twitter ................................................................................................................................................. 13

Interpersonal Outreach ....................................................................................................................... 13

Branding .............................................................................................................................................. 13

Press Toolkit ........................................................................................................................................ 14

VI. Organizational Structure and Roles ................................................................................................ 16

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VII. Checklist .......................................................................................................................................... 17

VIII. Lessons Learned .............................................................................................................................. 19

Best Practices and Lessons Learned ........................................................................................................ 19

Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................... 19

IX. Resources ........................................................................................................................................ 20

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I. Whatisa‘Pop‐Up’?

Whatisa‘Pop‐Up’?A pop‐up is a temporary project that has the overall objective of

neighborhood revitalization. Pop‐ups allow citizens to join

together to make small thoughtful changes to improve their

community and create a sense of place. For instance, if your

neighborhood needs bike lanes to protect or encourage bike

commuters citizens can temporarily stripe them with duct tape.

If storm water drainage is an issue, create a bio‐swell by using

plants. Is a local gathering place in need of a second life? Need

places to sit, shop, or eat? Want more residents to feel safe

walking and biking in your neighborhood? If yes, make it

happen. Essentially, no matter the scale or context, the aim is

to make a place better than its current state. The idea is that

these changes will “pop‐up” before your eyes on a temporary

basis, then lead to long‐term change. These initiatives can

improve any combination of public health, transportation,

general aesthetics, or economic development issues.

OurStory:It’s been a great year for Pop‐Up Project! The Regional Planning

Commission of Greater Birmingham (RPCGB) has been able to introduce this new concept to the

Birmingham region with the intention of reactivating some of our cherished communities and helping

citizens see the potential within them. Now, in order to reach a broader audience we have assembled

this Pop‐Up How‐To guide to assist local municipalities, bike clubs, civic groups, churches and active

citizens to see their community through a different lens, take ownership and transform their

surroundings. Our shared motto is “temporary solutions for a long term change”.

In February we set up a two‐day Pop‐Up Shop in a vacant downtown Birmingham space. We were elated

to see how many participants and partners were interested in experimenting with this new catalyst for

economic development, alternative transportation, and civic involvement. We added bike racks to the

Pop‐Up site on Richard Arrington and Third Avenue North and have watched as the bike community has

embraced the new facilities, adding more foot and pedal traffic to this stretch of street. Our vendors

sold a variety of items and reported a total sales gain of $5,000. The taxes made on these items, as with

all Pop‐Up events, were reported to the city and added to the local sales tax revenue.

Next, in May we set up temporary shops in Avondale and opened the streets to pedestrians and cyclists

only. For eight hours we entertained this friendly and eclectic neighborhood just near the Southside of

Birmingham. As visitors passed they were able to shop, bike, walk, learn, and eat with us. We expanded

our partnerships and with the help of United Way, UAB’S College of Engineering, AARP, and others we

reported on the walkability and bike‐ability of the area from both an adult and child’s perspective. One

Core Glossary

Tactical Urbanism ‐ Of, relating

to, consulting actions carefully

orchestrated to gain a more

positive end regarding the

lifestyle of city dwellers.

Open Streets – To allow access

through a public road in a city or

town for pedestrians and cyclists

only. Restricting access to

automobile passage.

Check out our Resources Section

for more information on other

models to follow.

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of our proudest moments was being able to help a landowner clear out more than 60 tons of trash from

a vacant lot. We turned the lot into an art park which showcased artwork from local school children and

provided handmade seating under the trees. We worked with local city officials to find the proper place

to apply shared bike lane markings, which support cyclists by making drivers aware of their presence.

In August we highlighted downtown Bessemer, home to the historic Lincoln Theater. We helped

promote the restoration of the theatre that sat up to 400 black patrons during the years of segregation.

Outside on First Avenue North we blocked the streets from through car traffic and provided stations for

children to hone their cycling skills. The open street was also a great backdrop for the family bike ride

that morning in which both local leaders and citizens participated. More than 300 supporters enjoyed

our temporary skate park, bike lane, pop‐up shops, farmer’s market, giant mural, live art and music. Our

work was featured on television, print, radio, and the internet.

This how‐to guide is aimed to provide you with a checklist, strategies to consider and lessons from our

experience. We’ve included budget templates, a sample media kit and other tools for your success.

ANoteaboutScaleThe size, scope and length of your project can vary greatly. You can use one empty storefront or three to

drive your point home. There are pros and cons to consider at either end of the spectrum.

Timefram

e

Longer Set Up Vs. Shorter Term Operations (Activities that run over the course of multiple days)

Pros Cons…or really just things to consider.

If you are using currently vacant buildings you may be able to persuade the land owners to help provide support. E.g. Use of power, air conditioning, general clean up, etc.

You’ll need to create a continual draw for visitors to want to repeatedly come by. Also, you may want to be more selective with where you choose your site; possibly go for a higher traffic area.

It may be worthwhile to some vendors to set for a longer period of time. They won’t have to set‐up, sell, and take down all in one day.

Consider your end game. Is it economic development? Or a more active community? Economic Development would mean prioritizing the vacant storefront initiative, where activating the streets in your community could be done on a one‐day basis.

Size

Large Set Up Vs. Small Setup Pros Cons...again, just bringing topics to your

attention

The more the merrier, generally. If you’re looking to impact a large population then the size of your setup will help achieve this.

This requires coordination and scheduling. I dedicated team is necessary.

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II. IdeasandPurposeThis section reviews the tactics we used in our Pop‐Up Projects, best practices, and lessons learned.

Many of the tactics we used were on a temporary basis; long‐term changes were brought to the

attention of local officials. We encourage you to work with your local government to address your

concerns and collaborate on real long term solutions.

The aim of your event dictates the setup. For RPCGB, one of our intentions was to inform the public of

alternative transportation options, promote the use of art in the public realm and to encourage

economic development. Included in this section are a few ways you can accomplish similar goals.

CompletetheStreets(TemporaryBikeLanes)Complete Streets is a planning and public health term that emphasizes that roadways should be

constructed to accommodate its users. Neighborhood streets should have features that support

pedestrians, cyclists, and cars, as these the typical users for the roads. In neighborhoods where many

residents use local transit additional provisions may be added such as full bike lanes, transit stops, and

crosswalks. In our initiatives it was important to us to imagine the implementation of complete streets,

where possible.

Ourprocessincluded:1. Measuring streets in our selected project area

i. Cars need a minimum 9ft of room to travel, trucks at least 11ft. Any extra width could

be attributed to a bike lane. Bikes need at least 4ft.

2. Applying temporary bike lane using duct tape according to new lane configuration.

ii. Alternatively, you can use spray chalk. Be careful with using paint, if the lane is applied

incorrectly it could cause confusion and possibly injure someone.

Figure 1: Fitting in the Bike Lane

Figure 1 above illustrates a roadway that has been reconfigured to fit in a bike lane by reducing the

travel lanes on both sides and the center turn lane.

Alsoconsider:1. Do people walk and bike here? Why, or why not?

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a. Watch people; examine the street character and how people use it. Observe the current

use and how it can be improved. Pay attention to if any trucks or large vehicle frequent

the area and when.

2. How many cars travel on this roadway each day?

a. This information can be found on the Alabama Department of Transportation’s website.

Search “traffic counts” and zoom into your location on the map. Aim to use streets that

have Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) of 20, 000 or less.

3. What’s the posted speed limit?

a. Keep in mind that many vehicles may actually travel faster than what is posted.

b. Aim for streets with a posted speed limit of 35 MPH or less, these are typically more

pedestrian and bike friendly.

Below you’ll see that our temporary actions with the duct tape bike lane lead to a more permanent

solution from the city.

Figure 2: Pop‐Up Project team members measure the width of the temporary bike lane for accuracy.

Figure 3: The team members use whit duct tape to apply the temporary bike lane along in the Avondale community.

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TacticalUrbanismTactical Urbanism encourages the use of current resources to create a new environment. Nationally, this

trend has taken the form of park‐lets created from converted parking lots, temporary bike lane

installations, temporary shops, etc. The following section discusses the use of some of these tactics to

achieve the final overall goals of your project.

StorefrontsSuppose your neighborhood is riddled with empty storefronts. Using the storefronts as temporary

vendor shops or places to display art is a great way to give a street a facelift.

Ourprocessincluded: Contacting the building owner or building manager for their permission.

Inquiring about their plans for the space if possible. You’ll never know where that

conversation might lead.

Advertising your need for vendors/artists using your social media outlets.

You’ll need to know if your merchants they have their own business license.

If they don’t, talk to your city’s tax collector to figure out how to help the city collect

these funds.

Again, a longer setup timeframe could make it more worthwhile for vendors to participate.

Consider a week or month long event for projects that deal specifically with economic

development.

ArtparksAn art park is similar to a pocket park in that the size doesn’t need to be impressive but the scenery

should be. We cleared out a vacant lot with the help of a landowner and allowed children from a nearby

school to display their artwork. It took a lot of elbow grease and garbage removal but the neighborhood

responded well and the soon the property owner had new ideas for the space.

Again, talk with the property owner for their help in clearing out any space you intend to use.

BikeRacksTry partnering with CommuteSmart. They can help provide you with bike racks that will make your area

a more attractive destination for cyclists. This service is free of charge but they prefer advanced notice

so talk to them 2‐3 months before you unveil your new neighborhood.

GreeningConnect with landscapers, florists, etc. to see if they would be willing to provide you with greenery for

your location. Plants and flowers can really transform a space. Also, some nurseries dispose of old plants

that may be suitable for your needs. Ask around.

WayfindingMaybe people do not traverse through your neighborhood because they can’t find their way.

Experiment with way finding guides that help them to nearby attractions like the library, school, or

market. Visit WalkYourCity.org for more detailed instructions.

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III. MoreTechnicalDesignStandardsandGuidanceBoth standards and guidance exist for pedestrian and cyclist facilities. Standards are legally binding, whereas technical guidance tools are generated from transportation research organizations. This chapter highlights national standards, design guidance, planning concepts, and other planning considerations regarding active transportation facility placement.

Standards Americans with Disabilities Act Guidelines (ADAG)

Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG)

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)

TechnicalGuidanceTools American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Publications:

o Guide for the Planning, Design, and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities (2004) o A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (2011) o Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, 4th Edition (2012)

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Publications: o Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access (2001) o FHWA Report: FHWA‐RD‐92‐073, Selecting Roadway Treatments to Accommodate

Bicycles (1993)

Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Publications: o Design and Safety of Pedestrian Facilities (1998) o Designing Walkable Urban Thoroughfares: A Context‐Sensitive Approach (2010)

National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Publication: o Urban Bikeway Design Guide (2014)

DesignGuidanceTo effectively plan and construct a bicycle or pedestrian network, planners must have a core knowledge of user types, their trip purpose, and the types of facilities that creates the most suitable environment.

Directions are as follows:

1. In Table 1, identify the roadway's functional classification. 2. Consider the thoroughfare type that can exist for each functional classification by examining the

context, average annual daily vehicles traveled (AADT), and the speed limit. This will help determine the most appropriate transect‐zone for the section of roadway (i.e., T5: Activity Center).

3. Follow the functional classification down to match the appropriate transect zone. 4. Use Table 2 to identify the prescribed pedestrian and cyclist accommodation that applies to

both the functional classification and growth area.

This methodology serves as guidance for the placement of bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. Engineering judgment should be used to consider local context.

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Table 1. Suggested Pedestrian and Bicycle Accommodation Chart

Table 2. Accommodation Chart Legend

Interstate

Principal

Arterial

Minor

Arterial

Collector

Parkway

> 35,000 veh/day,

> 45 MPH

Boulevard

> 20,000 veh/day,

> 35 MPH

Street

>15,000 veh/day,

≤30 MPH

Drive

>10,000 veh/day,

>40 MPH

Road

>5,000 veh/day,

>25 MPH

Road with Parking

>5,000 veh/day,

>35 MPH

Specia l Districts

i.e. Exclusive Use, Historic

Preservation, and Planned

Business Districts etc.

none ǁ ǁ ǁ^^

T6: Urban Core

i.e. Downtown Core, or

Town Centersnone ǁ ǁ ǁ ^^

G3

T5: Activi ty Centers

i.e. Regional Commercial

Centers, Universitiesnone ǁ ǁ │ ^^

G2

T4: Genera l Urban

i.e. Town none│ ǁ │ ^^

G1

T3: Sub‐Urban

i.e. Village none ǁ │ ^^

O2

T2: Rura l

i.e. Rural Crossroads none ^^

O1 O1: Natural

G4

Regional Growth Areas

Functional Classifications

Thoroughfare Types

Local

Transect Zones

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IV. FundingMechanismsThis section discusses the various ways there are to fund raise for pop‐up initiatives. RPCGB used a mix

of sponsorships, gifts in kind and strategic partnerships to reach our fundraising goals for the project.

SponsorshipPackagesLocal businesses in your community may be interested in your project. Consider who their customers

are and if that market will be reach through your initiative. Many companies look for ways to be

authentically tied to their consumer base. Conduct some initial research on their company values and

why your concept fits with their vision.

Here are a few items sponsors may look for in your proposal:

Executive Summary. Succinctly explain the general concept, why it is important, and what the

end goal is.

Existing Assets. Where appropriate explain the existing conditions of the area or neighborhood

you aim to affect. Showcase positive attributes; then explain the role your initiative plays in

perpetuating these positive traits.

Project Timeline. Include the intended duration of the project, including a planning and

execution timeline.

Partners. Describe the roles of your partners. Specify if any partners are providing gifts in kind

such as refreshments, posters, art, permit processing fees, etc. Some partners may donate time

by volunteering during the project or assisting in the planning process. Your sponsor may want

to know that they are not the only party on board so be as inclusive as possible when

assembling this list.

Target Population. Explain the type of audience you aim to attract.

Media Strategy. Provide numbers where possible of how many people in your target audience

you’ll reach in your media campaign. Explain the mediums you’ll use, i.e. posters, social media,

newspaper announcements, television promotions, or radio promotions. (We’ll talk more about

our media strategy in the next chapter)

Event/Project Budget. Provide your potential sponsor with an estimated cost breakdown.

Collect invoices and prices estimates to help with this task.

Plans for Documenting Results. Describe how you’ll know your project was successful. More

businesses may become attracted to the area as a result of a pop‐up shop. More families may

begin to ride bikes a neighborhood because temporary bikes lanes have illustrated how much

space they have to share the road, or a neighborhood cleanup group more form to perpetuate a

positive change after seeing a pop‐up park. Go back to your end goal and think of ways to

evaluate it.

GiftsInKindGifts in kind are the kinds of gifts that keep on giving! Again, many of your partners may agree to help

with you project because it matches their organization’s interests. As such your partners may have

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readily available materials for you to use or resources that you can access. Below is a short list of items

our partners brought to the table.

AARPAARP is a membership organization leading positive social change and delivering value to people age 50

and over through information, advocacy, and service. Our local AARP Representative provided us with

volunteers for the day of our events, water and other refreshments. This was a great benefit to us

because many of our tasks were labor intensive and required manpower. We had a schedule of activities

that required signup sheets, helmet fitting and general safety monitoring. A dedicated group of

volunteers with a central point of contact makes these tasks easier.

UnitedWayUnited Way of Central Alabama‐ United Way is the leadership and support organization for the network

of nearly 1,800 community‐based United Ways in 45 countries and territories. United Way envisions a

world where all individuals and families achieve their human potential through education, income

stability and healthy lives. United Way helped in the promotion of the events and in the background

planning tasks, such as neighborhood vacancy identification and arts programming for children and

families at the Pop‐Up events. They also led our bike rodeo, which promoted bike safety.

SpaceOneEleven‐Space One Eleven is a visual arts nonprofit organization founded in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1986. SOE’s

mission is to provide professional opportunities for artists, create a forum for public understanding of

contemporary art, and offer arts education to area youth. SOE facilitated workshops that taught

residents to make vertical gardens, murals, and a community idea board.

YourSourcesAgain, the aforementioned is just a very short list of our partners and their roles. Below is a quick

reference of people who may be able to assist with your campaign.

What does your project need? Consider these partners:

Art Local Art Council, museum, art gallery, or local artists

Volunteers Local Church, Civic Group, Boys Scouts or Girls Scouts, etc.

Refreshments Restaurants

Activities (Games, Free Community Classes) YMCA, United Way, Day Care centers, Yoga Studios, Gyms, etc.

Fresh produce Local grocer or farmer’s market

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V. MediaPublicRelations Creating a strong social media presence is key in the success of your outreach and public relations effort.

These efforts should stay consistent throughout the project.

Use the outlet that will optimize reaching your target audience;

always be aware of the social media landscape and what outlet

your audience uses the most.

Social Media outlets should be maintained throughout

your project;

Update at least 2 times a day

Make the best of cross‐promotion. Share, Like, & Retweet

your sponsors and partners avidly throughout the project.

Facebook Start your Facebook campaign early on. Create a page for your project and invite your friends, co‐

workers, etc. to “like” and share the page

Generate initial interest by asking questions

Create an exciting cover photo to generate interest

“Like” other community organizations pages who might support your project

Create events leading up to the project (workshops, prep, etc.) and invite your audience

Upload exciting photos relating to your project [always give your source credit]

Respond to every comment and message positively

If you have available funds, promote your FB posts by purchasing “promoted posts” that will

automatically show up in news feeds of your audience

TwitterCreate your Twitter account early on. Connect it to your project’s Facebook account so that all posts

made from FB will echo on Twitter.

Create a (#)hashtag that can be used throughout your project

Dress up your Twitter page with an exciting background

“Follow” other community organizations accounts who might support your project

Retweet your sponsors and partners.

InterpersonalOutreach Tell your friends. Word of mouth marketing stands as one of the most genuine forms of advertising

today.

Put your reputation on the line to promote something you believe in.

Generate buzz about your project, giving you an opportunity to promote for free!

Branding

Numbers to consider:

67% of those using social

media are in your target

audience can be reached

through Facebook

16% of your target audience

uses Twitter

13% use Instagram

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Your branding will determine the overall messaging you create throughout the project. The brand

should have a consistent look and feel among all aspects of public relations

Logos – A graphic designer (or artistic friend) can generate the logo you want for your specific project or you can use the original “Pop‐Up Project” logo. Your logo will be your most prominent

imagery and will carry your brand throughout the project; it should be clean and easy to read but

still have an aspect of fun. The logo should match the rest of your marketing materials

PromotionalMaterials‐ Promotional materials should cater to your events details/events. For

instance, if you are planning on hosting a Farmer’s Market or Pop‐Up Shop, bags would be a great

promotional item

Signs/Posters‐Leading up to your event create a poster to promote your project.

Hang posters/signs 2‐3 weeks before your event

Should be consistent with other branded materials

Should be clear and easy to read

Hang them in local businesses [always get permission to hang a sign; if you place signage outside

make sure to clean it up after the event]

T‐shirts – Create a t‐shirt for volunteers and attendees to wear Having all volunteers in the same color shirt makes it easy to find them when needed

Make sure your logo is visible and the look is consistent with all other branding & promotional

materials

QRCode – QR Codes are a great option for pushing your audience to your social media accounts

and website with their smartphones

Use an online source to generate your QR code such as http://www.qrstuff.com/

Place QR code on all promotional material if desired

Can also be used for wayfinding signs

PressToolkitUse the following to formally alert the media of your project:

PressRelease or News Release – When you are prepared to make your project public you will

need to create a press release that can be emailed to all news outlets you wish to reach. Your logo

should be prominent at the top of the Press Release with sponsors/partners at the bottom

Press Release should include the following:

Headline — used to grab the attention of journalists and briefly summarize the news

Dateline — contains the release date and usually the originating city of the press release. If the

date listed is after the date that the information was actually sent to the media, then the sender

is requesting a news embargo, which journalists are under no obligation to honor

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Introduction — first paragraph in a press release, that generally gives basic answers to the

questions of who, what, when, where and why.

Body — further explanation, statistics, background, or other details relevant to the news.

Boilerplate — generally a short "about" section, providing independent background on the

issuing company, organization, or individual.

Close — in North America, traditionally the symbol "‐30‐" appears after the boilerplate or body

and before the media contact information, indicating to media that the release has ended. A

more modern equivalent has been the "###" symbol. In other countries, other means of

indicating the end of the release may be used, such as the text "ends".

Media contact information — name, phone number, email address, mailing address, or other

contact information for the PR or other media relations contact person.

PicturesandVideo Designate someone to take and collect pictures and videos of your project.

Document the process; take pictures and videos of meetings, interviews, and prep leading up to

the project

Promote the videos and photos and interviews collected from news sources on your social

media accounts [always give credit to your source]

Create a gallery on your website to showcase all media coverage

Hire someone or strike up a partnership with someone who can video and photograph the day

of or get someone in‐house to do so

Encourage your audience to use the HASHTAG you created when uploading photos to social

media so they can be easily found

Website‐ The project website needs to be created early in the process alongside your social media accounts

and promoted through them.

Web presence gives you a more professional/ serious façade

Your website will hold all content for your project description, upcoming events, day of

programming, and an archive for all news material

Weebly.com makes a great website host that is very user friendly

Your web address (or QR Code) should be visible on all marketing material; you can choose

which best suits your target audience.

16

VI. OrganizationalStructureandRolesPop‐Up Project was organized into groups with specific responsibilities that related to the issues we

wanted to address through Pop‐Up. Group members were assigned according to their personal and/or

professional interests. Groups included:

1. Core

The Core group was responsible for project financing and event legalities. This included completing

business license paperwork, filing street closure permits, contacting police for added protection, signing

any major sponsorship contracts, applying for grants, and researching liability concerns. This group was

primarily made up of RPCGB’s leadership group as they were better poised to manage complex

relationships and negotiate contractual obligations.

2. Programming

Each Pop‐Up Event had a schedule of activities to continually engage participants. The programming

group was in charge of creating the master schedule for the day. Each person listed on the schedule for

the day automatically became a member of this group. They provided bike safety training, exercise

classes, and other exhibits.

3. Economic Development The Economic Development group talked with owners of vacant buildings, entrepreneurs, and artists to find the best assignments for Pop‐Up shops. REV Birmingham, our downtown business development organization, helped create a list of interested entrepreneurs. This group also talked with the owners of existing nearby businesses to ensure their buy‐in.

4. Transportation Alternatives As a transportation focused entity RPCGB was interested in how each project would champion alternative transportation. This group applied temporary bike lanes using duct tape, created surveys to collect participant data, and kept the event area safe for all mode users. This group consisted of RPCGB’s transportation engineers.

5. Public Participation/ Promotion

The Public Participation and Promotion group was responsible for introducing the concept to local

officials, gaining the support of local merchants, and soliciting and managing volunteers, as well as event

promotion and cross‐promotion. This group was mostly made up of RPCGB’s public relations team.

Groups initially met on a monthly basis. Meetings later increased in frequency as each event drew near.

Each group had a responsibility checklist with persons assigned to each task. An example of this can be

found in Appendix A: Pop‐Up Organizational Structure.

17

VII. Checklist

9‐12 Months Before the Event Responsibility Due Date Status

Define the aim of your project

Visit location(s) for events

Get location specifics, i.e. maps, roadway measurements

Generate ideas/gather information about the local identity

Investigate permitting needs

Research for inspiration!

Secure permission from local landowners/stakeholders

Ask owners of vacant buildings for permission to use their facilities (if needed)

Talk to businesses near each site for business buy‐in

Get cost estimates

Establish a Team/Committee

Make Team/Committee assignments


Secure Event Liability Insurance

Handle all associated paperwork

Search for Funding

Apply for grants

Start Sponsorship Packets

Secure pledge letters from sponsors (if needed)


Create Social Media Sites

i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest or Instagram

Create marketing plan

Create press release

Create logistics map of each location (detailing where activities will be)

Solicit vendors (if needed)

Assign vendors to spaces

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Solidify schedule of events

Make master schedule to display at event

Form volunteer list (including where they are coming from and what they will be needed for each site)

Publicize

Create Television and Radio spots

Post teaser signs

Blast programming schedule through media outlets

Day of the event the Event Responsibility Due Date Status

Give walkie‐talkies out to main event personnel

Print copies of schedule of events for the day

Day of the event the Event Responsibility Due Date Status

Program/Budget Review

Make list of best practices and lessons learned

Send thank‐yous to sponsors and volunteers

Document impacts

Share ideas with your neighbors

19

VIII. LessonsLearnedThis section includes best practices and lessons learned in the process of our project, as well as

additional resources to use for similar projects.

BestPracticesandLessonsLearned1. Create an inclement weather plan which may include a date change or additional shelter from

sun or rain.

2. Use way finding signs.

3. Duct tape, washable spray paint or chalk are all great for temporary road markings and other

uses.

4. Take time to get to know the neighborhood and the landowners.

5. T‐shirts are great way to readily identify volunteers. Custom bags help brand Pop‐Up Shops.

6. Show what you’ve changed. Take before and after pictures and display them.

7. Control the vision. Make a short list of must‐haves/dos and stick to them.

8. Keep setup easy. Make a map of how things should be setup and share them with everyone

involved. This makes it easy for people to just pitch in and help.

9. Communicate. Walkie‐talkies and DJ Booths are communication goldmines.

10. Music keeps festivities lively.

11. Start small. Place your project where there are already feet on the ground.

12. Barricades can be rented from a company or borrowed from the city or county in many cases.

13. Activate the street with games, and scheduled activities.

14. Give public officials advanced notice about participating.

15. Have fun.

ConclusionBegin with the end in mind. Throughout your process continually check to ensure your message has not

been lost. Start small and slowly gather energy behind your project. Remain budget conscious, but

remember that some items can be given as gifts in‐kind. Mostly, enjoy your final product and keep track

of success through photos, videos and surveys.

20

IX. Resources

TechnicalGuidesPublications

American Association for Highway and Transportation Officials. Guide for the Development of Bicycle

Facilities. Washington D.C.: AASHTO, 1999.

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. A Policy on Geometric Design of

Highways and Streets. Washington D.C.: American Association of State Highway and

Transportation Officials, 2011.

Smart Growth America. National Complete Streets Coalition: What are Complete Streets? 2014.

http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/complete‐streets/complete‐streets‐

fundamentals/complete‐streets‐faq (accessed March 31, 2014).

Websites

National Association for City Transportation Officials:

http://nacto.org/cities‐for‐cycling/design‐guide/

Non‐Technical/TacticalUrbanismPublications

Lyndon, Mike, Dan Bartman, Ronald Woudstra, and Auraush, Khawarzad. Tactical Urbanism. Report,

Ithaca: The Street Plans Collaborative, n.d.

Lyndon, Mike, Dan Bartman, Tony Garcia, Russ Preston, and Ronald Woudstra. Tactical Urbanism 2.

Report, Miami: The Streets Collaborative, n.d.

Open Streets Project. The Open Street Guide. Report, Miami: Fund for the Environment & Urban Life,

2012.

Websites

Walk Your City:

http://walkyourcity.org/

Pop‐Up Rockwell:

http://www.cudc.kent.edu/pop_up_city/rockw

ell/

BirminghamRegionSpecificPublications

Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham. Long Range Transportation Plan 2040. Regional

Transportation Plan, Birmingham: Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham, 2014.

Websites

Pop‐Up Project:

http://www.popupprojectal.com/

REVIVE Birmingham Street Life Project:

http://revivebirmingham.com/#revive‐

birmingham

Before I Die:

http://beforeidie.cc/site/birmingham/

Regional Planning Commission of Greater

Birmingham:

http://www.rpcgb.org/

Appendix A

Pop‐Up Organizational Structure

TEMPLATE 1

Appendix A

Pop‐Up Organizational Structure

Core

ProgrammingEconomic

DevelopmentTransportation Alternatives

Public Participation

TEMPLATE 2

Appendix ACore GroupMembers: Franchesca Taylor RPCGBLindsey West RPCGBDarrell Howard RPCGBRay Morria RPCGBRobert Emerick REV BirminghamEmily Lowery REV Birmingham

Item StatusPop‐Up Committee Contact Outside Org./Contact

Business Licenses Not filed for Avondale Pop‐up Shops Franchesca, Robert, Lindsey, Emily

City of Birmingham

Street Blockage Permit

Filed (Dec. 17) ‐‐‐okayed by Natasha (call Lt. Blanton)

Barricades from Shelby County

Franchesca, Robert, Lindsey City of Birmingham –Natasha Bettis , Greg DawkinsEngineer‐ Selena RodgersBarricades‐ Scott Holiday (Pick‐Up) Wednesday

Police Notified, 3 police (call 4/17 abt fee waiver 335.1090)Bike Cops (Notified‐)

Franchesca, Jeniese Birmingham Police DepartmentCapt. DavisLt. Blanton (334.1090)

Sponsorships $28,500+ raised Franchesca, Jana, and Lindsey Various

Grants 2nd Round NEA grant process ($100K applied for)Not awarded –regional entity

Franchesca National Endowment for the Arts

Liability Concerns Event coverage confirmed(RPCGB is covered)

Ray Morris

TEMPLATE 3

Appendix A

Time Activity Facilitator Name (s)

8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Bike Maintenance Station Bici Co‐opAnna

Farris

8 a.m. until 2 p.m.What your child’s walk to school

looks like…United Way Nick Sims & Kadie Whatley

8:30 a.m. (30 Min.) Zumba Class Black People Run, Bike, and Swim Jerri Haslem

8:30 a.m. (Skilled Ride)

1 p.m. (Beginner Ride)Bike Ride Birmingham Bicycle Club

Stan Palla

Barbara Cowen

9 a.m. (30 min Outdoors)

11 a.m. (1 hr Indoors)

1 p.m. (1 hr Indoors)

Yoga Class Andrea Walker Andrea Walker

9 a.m. until 1 p.m.Bike Safety Mini Training

(Rodeo)League of American Bicyclists Tracy Hale

10 a.m. ( 30 Min Demo) Middle Eastern DanceZivah Saphirah Middle

Eastern Dance TroupeBasma

Free standing – Ongoing Giant Games Space One Eleven Margot Wade

Noon Bike Safety Training Black People Run, Bike, and Swim Patrick

Programming Group

TEMPLATE

Members:Group consists of all those listed in the ‘name’ column.

4

Appendix AEconomic Development Group

Members: Franchesca Taylor RPCGBLindsey West RPCGBJessica Fadlevich RPCGBRobert Emerick REV BirminghamEmily Lowery Shop BirminghamLaura Kay Whitney REV Birmingham

Business Name Address Number E‐mail Location

Redemptive Cycle5005 5th Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35212 (205) 312.9253 [email protected] Building 1

Freedom Soap CompanyP.O. Box 59107Birmingham, Al 35205 (205) 613‐8110 [email protected] Building 1

Silvertron Café3813 Clairmont Av.Birmingham, AL (205) 591‐3707 [email protected] Building 1

Bitty's Back Porch P.O. Box 2305Birmingham, Al 35201 (205) 326‐0025 [email protected] Building 2

Zoe's in Forest Park3900 Clairmont Ave.Birmingham, Al 35222 (205) 249‐4922 [email protected] Building 2

Brocade Revival Vintage502 Baker DriveBirmingham, Al 35213 (205) 401‐3714 [email protected] Building 2

Birmingham Juice Project2905‐C Columbiana CourtBirmingham, AL 35216 (305) 807‐5451 [email protected] Building 3

CahaBones2708 Hamrick DriveIrondale, AL 35210 (205) 639.7555 [email protected] Outside Painted shovel

TEMPLATE 5

Appendix ATransportation Alternatives

Members: Franchesca Taylor RPCGBMike “Kaz” RPCGBDarrell Howard RPCGBOzge C. RPCGBGreg Dawkins City of Birmingham

Item Status Facilitator Pop‐Up Team /RPCGB Contact

Bike Sharrows Request made – no action City of Birmingham–Greg Dawkins Franchesca TaylorDarrell HowardMike “Kaz”

Ped Paint Request made –seems like crosswalks are repainted. Not ladder application.

City of B’ham FranDarrellKaz

Bike/Ped Surveys Survey Instruments to be made

‐ Survey Giveaway Raffle Prizes (Jeniese)

RPCGB Franchesca TaylorOzge C.

TEMPLATE 6

Appendix APublic ParticipationMembers: Franchesca Taylor RPCGBNick Sims Safe Routes to SchoolHunter Lake Avondale BreweryMargot Wade Space One Eleven

Task Status Items Outstanding Contactor

Buy‐In from Local Officials

‐Abbott: Called 4/16, left message‐Austin: tentatively confirmed for 12‐1 crossing guard

Councilperson Abbott, ‐ Not availableCouncilperson Austin, ‐Not confirmedand Mayor Bell – Not available

Franchesca Taylor

Local SupportMerchants Assc.Neighborhood Assc.

Crestwood Neighborhood Assoc. & Avondale Merchants has been contacted

Contact Avondale Neighborhood Assoc. (April 2nd)

Franchesca Taylor

Volunteers

HOB Account Set Up

Volunteer Sources to be contacted by 4/19

Day‐of Volunteer Breakdown

Volunteer Sources:• Boy Scouts (Charles & Ray)• UAB (Andy Marsch 934.4175

[email protected])• Hanna Davis • Birmingham Girls Club (Sherry) ‐> LKW

Franchesca Taylor, Lindsey, Nick Sims, Margot Wade, Hunter Lake, James, LKW

Cross PromotionsBlast sent through Marco @ Silvertron

Contact Southside Baseballabt May 4th, 2013

Franchesca Taylor, Nick Sims

TEMPLATE 7

Appendix BPop-Up Budget

[As Of Oct. 15, 2013]

Event Set-Up Estimated Actual Actual Cost BreakdownCBD Street Block Permit $500.00 on credit

B'ham Police included in permitNoise Permit $25.00 on creditBusiness License $500.00 $712.00Vendor Fee (per vendor -Bessemer) $50.00 waivedMusic (DJ/Band) $500.00 $350.00Barricades (B'Ham) $2,500.00 in kind Portable Toilets $355.00 $255.00Fans $200.00 $163.50Walkie Talkies $70.00 $40.00Other Pop-Ups

REV's REVIVE Birmingham Series $5,000.00 $5,000.00AIA's Fit Nation $1,500.00 $1,500.00

Total $11,200.00 $8,020.50

Pop-Up Materials Estimated ActualTemp. Marking Materials $350.00 $134.21Décor for Pop-Up Shops $350.00 $57.07Art Supplies $300.00 $227.88Bike Lane Stencil^ $250.00 $0.00Materials Transportation Cost (Truck Rental) $500.00 $1,124.88Park Infrastructure $2,000.00 $1,822.36

Skate Ramp $500.00 $500.00Total $4,250.00 $3,866.40

Publicity Estimated ActualPrint $500.00 $2,349.99T-shirts $500.00 $1,826.94Media Buy(Radio, TV, Internet, Print) $10,000.00 $7,645.75 Estimated vs. ActualTotal $11,000.00 $11,822.68

Program Estimated ActualYoga Instructor $100.00 in kindZumba Instructor $100.00 in kindTai Chi Instructor $100.00 in kindBike Rodeo Instructor Fee $250.00 $250.00Pre-Pop Up Art Wokshops $500.00 $895.00Total $1,050.00 $1,145.00

Miscellaneous Estimated ActualRefreshments

Water $250.00 $10.50Granola Bars $60.00 $12.02

Contingency Fee $1,000.00First Aid $31.97Non Staff Gifts $94.83

Total $1,000.00 $149.32Total Expenses Estimated Actual

$28,500.00 $25,003.90

$3,496.10 Remaining Budget

Event Budget per location: EXPENSES

Pop-Up BudgetValentine's Day Pop-Up Shops, Avondale, and Bessemer

$20,000.00

$21,000.00

$22,000.00

$23,000.00

$24,000.00

$25,000.00

$26,000.00

$27,000.00

$28,000.00

$29,000.00

Estimated Actual

32%

15%

47%

5%

1%

Event Set‐Up

Pop‐Up Materials

Publicity

Program

Miscellaneous

1

Appendix B

Estimated Actual Profit vs. LossTotal income $30,000.00 $28,500.00Total expenses $28,500.00 $25,003.90

Remainder of budget

$1,500.00 $3,496.10

3.) $2,000 has been set aside of AIA's FIT Nation series

4.) Once outstanding Bessemer payments are made the final total for Pop-Up iniatives (including Pop-Up Shops, Pop-Up Projects, REVIVE and FIT Nation) is estimated at $27,541.19.

Event Budget for Event Name : PROFIT/LOSS SUMMARY

Pop-Up Profits/Loss Account Summary

1.) As of September 6, 2013 we have spent 60.8% of the total Pop-Up Project Budget.

2.) $5,000 has been set aside to support REV Birmingham's REVIVE series.

$22,000.00

$24,000.00

$26,000.00

$28,000.00

$30,000.00

$32,000.00

Estimated Actual

Total income

2

Appendix B

ExpensesEstimated Actual

Total Expenses $0.00 $611.90

Estimated Actual Estimated ActualSite Payable/Paid to: Refreshments Payable/Paid to:Permits FoodSite staff DrinksEquipment LinensTables and chairs Staff and gratuitiesTotals $0.00 $0.00 Totals $0.00 $0.00

Decorations ProgramFlowers PerformersCandles SpeakersLighting TravelBalloons HotelPaper supplies OtherTotals $0.00 $0.00 Totals $0.00 $0.00

Publicity OtherGraphics work Classic Traditions (Paid) $330.00 Ribbons/Plaques/TrophiesPhotocopying/Printing Emily Wester (Paid) $281.90 GiftsPostage Totals $0.00 $0.00Totals $0.00 $611.90

Event Grand TotalsMiscellaneous Totals $0.00 $611.90TelephoneTransportationStationery suppliesFax servicesTotals $0.00 $0.00

Event Budget for [Pop-Up Shops -Feb.]

3

Appendix B


Total Expenses $7,863.59 $10,356.40

Estimated Actual Estimated ActualSite Payable/Paid to: RefreshmentsCBD Permit $100.00 on credit FoodNoise Permit $25.00 on credit DrinksBusiness License Rev Birmingham (Paid) $200.00 $200.00Truck Rental & Gas Mike "Kaz" (Paid) $520.03Temp. Bike Lane Tape Mike "Kaz" (Paid) $134.21 Staff and gratuitiesTables and chairs Totals $0.00 $0.00Totals $325.00 $854.24

ProgramDecorations Bike Rodeo Tracy Hale (Paid) $250.00 $250.00Curtains Franchesca Taylor (Paid) $40.00 $39.31 Space One Eleven Space One Eleven (Paid) $800.00 $550.00Power Cords Franchesca Taylor (Paid) $20.00 $17.76 Workshops Julie Nelson (Paid) $200.00 $345.00Misc. Art Materials Margot Wade (Paid) $100.00 $149.29 OtherWorkshop Supplies Homewood Paint (Paid) $78.59 $78.59 Totals $1,250.00 $1,145.00Art Park Supplies (Sod) Hunter Lake (Paid) $1,000.00 $955.04Totals $1,238.59 $1,239.99 Other

Misc. Lindsey West (Paid) $50.00 $62.52Publicity Totals $50.00 $62.52Media WABM (Paid) $488.75

WTTO- TV (Paid) $1,096.50 Event Grand TotalsWTTO- TV (Paid) $718.25 Totals $7,863.59 $10,356.40WBMA ABC (Paid) $2,550.00WABM (Paid) $242.25

T-shirts Leader promos, Inc. (Paid) $885.00Print Conerstone Media (Paid) $835.82

Brannon Dawkins (Paid) $90.00Conerstone Media (Paid) $116.11

Totals $5,000.00 $7,022.68

MiscellaneousFirst Aid Franchesca Taylor $31.97Stationery suppliesFax servicesTotals $0.00 $31.97

Event Budget for [Avondale]

4

Appendix B


Total Expenses $11,632.00 $7,535.60

Estimated Actual Estimated ActualSite Payable/Paid to: RefreshmentsCBD Permit City of Bessemer $500.00 $512.00 Food $100.00Business License City of Bessemer $930.00 waived DrinksTruck Rental & GasTemp. Bike Lane TapePortable Toliets AAA Solutions $255.00 $255.00 Non-Staff and Gifts^ Various $350.00 $94.83Totals $2,185.00 $1,371.85 Totals $450.00 $94.83

Park InfrastructureFans Special Occasions $220.00 $163.50 Program

Fun Source $627.00 $439.00 Skate Park^ Innerchange/Battleground* $500.00 $500.00$188.00 DJ Rapheale Mobley $350.00 $350.00

Park Bench Global Industrial $300.00 $240.32 OtherTotals $1,147.00 $1,030.82 Totals $850.00 $850.00

Publicity OtherMedia^ Media Buy $5,000.00

WTTO $1,287.75 Totals $0.00 $0.00WABM $1,262.25

Event Grand TotalsTotals $11,632.00 $7,535.60

Print Print Ads/T-shirts $2,000.00Leader Promos $941.94Cornerstone Media $661.16Western Star $35.00

Totals $7,000.00 $4,188.10

MiscellaneousFirst AidContingencyTotals $0.00 $0.00

Event Budget for [Bessemer]

Tables, chairs, generator, tents

Mike 'Kaz'$500.00 $604.85

5

Pop-Up Project

Documents

Transcript of Pop-Up Project