Make an effort to fill vacant buildings Build two story structures and create residential space on the second floor. A small community like Cotter cannot support commercial development in multiple areas. Focus new development downtown. Make Community Spaces. This means that site development is focused upon the exterior space remaining once the building program is satisfied and the building is placed.
Buildings now constructed in American small towns treat external space as a residual element.
This is the wrong approach. The role of an individual building should be subordinated to the communal environment. Streets and squares, plazas, and parks take precedence over buildings. The buildings are conceived as elements defining and enclosing outdoor space. Streets are community spaces.