Bringing Life to the Streets of the Downtown Eastside (DTES)

Open Doors

The Open Doors Project was a multidimensional project that commemorated Japantown and animated the Powell Street area. The first phase of the project included the creation of signs/panels that describe the past and present stories of key locations, an “Open Door” event which invited visitors into locations along the 300/400 block of Powell Street, and enhanced walking tours, all for the 2010 Powell Street Festival. During the festival, the project animated the public realm and encouraged business and property owners to participate.

The event increased the profile of retailers, services and restaurants. Visitors explored and felt comfortable in the area. New relationships were nurtured among ground floor occupants on Powell Street, and established community relationships were strengthened.

[top]