818 studio worked with Harvest Sky Economic Development Corporation and the Town of Hanna to prepare a downtown revitalization plan, community streetscape plan, and signage and way finding plan for Hanna, Alberta, population 2,500. Hanna’s Community Development Plan sets out its “look and feel,” and provides the Town with the necessary information to secure grants for implementation of the revitalization projects.

As with all communities, some residents are in favour of change and some are resistant. The first Farmers’ Market was used as a testing ground for the engagement materials, and led to the generation of additional information about one of the Main Street options to address some of the concerns raised. Although we couldn’t enter the seniors’ lodge because of the pandemic, we briefed one of the staff who was able to discuss the concepts with lodge residents and other staff members, and record the preferred concepts through the voting strategy.

Highlights

• Students at the local school generated ideas for gateways and Hanna’s sense of place. 818 studio developed design concepts that included student input from comments and drawings.
• The engagement program included attendance at weekly Farmers’ Markets as well as a Main Street storefront for drop-in visits during the month of June. Input was solicited through voting and conversations with facilitators, with over 200 residents providing feedback on the concept
• Selected site elements and furniture to contribute to Hanna’s sense of place including senior-friendly walking routes and pedestrian safety enhancements and community gathering spots for socialization.
• Developed design guidelines to maintain activity + character.