Media
Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper: Small Steps, Big Impact in Placemaking
In this Develop This! podcast, Joi Cuartero Austin is joined by Erik Reader for a lively and insightful conversation around the concept of Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper (LQC) — a placemaking approach that emphasizes small-scale, low-cost, and fast-to-implement strategies for revitalizing public spaces and neighborhood districts.
Originally popularized by the nonprofit Project for Public Spaces in the early 2000s, LQC continues to shape how communities reimagine their built environments — even today. We dig into real-world examples, lessons learned, and how communities are using this flexible framework to create a stronger sense of place, community, ownership, and vitality.
Erik Reader keeps his eye on downtowns
Erik Reader has a thing about downtowns. It doesn’t matter if they’re small or mid-sized or if they’re on a river or surrounded by cornfields, Reader wants to see them get ahead. Reader does consulting work for towns. Some of the area communities he’s worked for in recent years include Havana, Monmouth, Pekin and Aledo. But he’s not saying he has all the answers. If you’re looking for a silver bullet that will revive small towns, it’ll be hard to find, said Reader, noting that each town must deal with a multitude of factors.
Meet the man responsible for crafting the future of downtown Pekin
Erik Reader has been in the community development business since 2011. In that time, he has provided consulting services for downtown revitalization efforts in Havana, Aledo and Monmouth. But his latest project, developing and helping implement a downtown revitalization strategy for Pekin, is an endeavor of particular significance because of his connection to the community.
Interview with Erik Reader about Pekin Downtown Development
Gary talks with Erik Reader this week about Pekin Downtown Development and Pekin Main Street.
2019 Downtown Report Approved By Aledo City Council
The Aledo City Council approves the 2019 Downtown Report. The document is called “Strategies for a Revitalized Business District”. It’s prepared by the consulting firm 353 Court and Erik Reader.
After lean years, downtown Havana's time appears to be now
Life along the Illinois River in this Mason County city can go slowly. That isn't necessarily bad. Changes in downtown Havana have been coming quickly. That isn't necessarily bad, either. A 2-year-old municipal initiative has resulted in at least 10 new downtown businesses opened or buildings rehabilitated. Other openings and rehabs appear imminent. About $1.6 million in public and private investments have been made.