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.
The streets are key to stimulating growth and interest in downtown development. A community is defined by its streets. When the main streets of your community become great places to walk, talk, sit, relax, and greet neighbors, the community is well on the way to having revitalized energy downtown. Density is Good. Many people think of density as Manhattan, NY, and want no part of it for their small town.