Why Do You Love This Place?

Have you ever questioned why you like one place more than another? Or what makes a town your favorite?

Jennifer McKenzie Frazier supplied some food for thought when she described “Why I Love the Hotel Contessa” in Southern Living, June 2008, p. 44.

Her five reasons were Rooms, Location, Style, Food and Extras.

While the above applies to a hotel, it’s not a bad framework for thinking about a city.

Changing “Rooms” to “Space” provides a reminder that the way a city allocates and configures its space can make a big difference in the way we feel about the city.

Location – can suggest more than geographical siting but include accessability as well.

Style – architecture plays a big role here, especially with major buildings, both old and new.

Food – can play a big part in shaping the distinctiveness of a city.

Extras – this is where a city breaks away from the conventional recipe and adds something special.

The result is a five-point checklist that city leaders would do well to review frequently.