Beautification & Placemaking Initiative
A permanent OTC program delivering visible, lasting physical improvements to Old Town Cornelius — from large-scale murals and sculptural installations to branded crosswalks, decorative lighting, planters, and wayfinding signage.
Strategic Vision
OTC's Beautification & Placemaking Initiative positions the organization as a place-builder and connector — not just an event producer. By making permanent, visible improvements to the physical environment of Old Town, OTC creates the conditions for sustained economic vitality that outlast any single event.
Strengthen Identity
Make Old Town Cornelius visually distinctive and unmistakably itself — a place visitors immediately recognize and remember.
Increase Dwell Time
Beautiful, interesting physical environments make people want to linger, explore, and stay longer in the district.
Boost Business Revenue
A more attractive, vibrant streetscape drives higher foot traffic and encourages spontaneous visits and purchases.
Core Beautification Components
Commissioned from local and regional artists. Murals become landmarks, photo backdrops, and permanent cultural markers for Old Town.
Transform city utility boxes into mini canvases — artist-painted wraps that add color and character to every block.
Permanent and semi-permanent 3D art pieces placed at key intersections, green spaces, and gathering areas throughout the district.
Decorative planters with seasonal flowers and greenery along the main commercial corridor. Sponsor-adopted with branded plaques.
String lights, accent fixtures, and specialty illumination that transforms Old Town at night into a warm, inviting destination.
Branded directional signage that guides visitors through the district — tied to the shuttle system and Social District zones.
Painted crosswalks with Old Town branding and artistic patterns at key pedestrian intersections.
Comfortable outdoor seating areas and converted parking spaces that invite people to sit, relax, and connect.
Seasonal and permanent sidewalk art tied to the shuttle experience — guide visitors along the route with colorful ground-level markers.
Project Budget Tiers
Quick Wins
Fast, visible improvements that demonstrate momentum and create immediate community pride.
- Seasonal planters (5–10 units)
- Small directional signage
- Painted utility box (1–2)
- Sidewalk art installations
- Window decals and district branding
Mid-Level Impact
Meaningful improvements that noticeably transform the visual character of specific areas.
- String lighting (1–2 blocks)
- Small parklet or seating area
- Small-scale mural (1–2 walls)
- Branded crosswalk painting
- Artist showcase installation
Flagship Projects
Landmark-level investments that fundamentally define Old Town's visual identity.
- Large-scale signature murals
- Gateway feature installation
- Full lighting corridor project
- Major sculptural installation
- Complete streetscape redesign segment
Adopt-a-Planter Program
The scalable downtown planter program places 10–20 decorative planters along the main commercial corridor. Each planter is available for business or individual sponsorship.
- Sponsor plaque affixed to the planter with business name/logo
- Recognition in OTC social media and marketing materials
- Seasonal plantings maintained by OTC volunteers
- Option to co-design seasonal color palette
- Annual renewal with first right of refusal
Funding Sources
Sponsor a Beautification Project
From adopting a planter to sponsoring a landmark mural, there are meaningful ways to leave your mark on Old Town Cornelius for years to come.
Get Involved