Refined Street is the birthplace of Taichung’s European-style commercial streets and a successful example of nationwide shopping street management. However, with the changes of time and the turnover of businesses, the Refined Street commercial area has actively sought transformation and repositioned itself as a family-friendly playground. Recently, through a collaboration between academia and industry, the facades of shop iron shutter doors have been gradually painted, transforming the Refined Street commercial area into an eye-catching and beautiful streetscape, expected to become a new hotspot for social media check-ins.
The Refined Street Management Committee stated that the commercial area has a total of 33 shops. To create a vibrant streetscape, the Taichung City Economic Development Bureau assisted in guiding the transformation of Refined Street into a family-friendly destination. During the transitional period when shops are being replaced, painting the iron shutter doors with bright new designs helps create an environment suitable for families. The committee also invited a team from the USR Center at National Taichung University of Education and professional muralists to brainstorm and paint, creating unique and beautiful streetscapes that reflect the characteristics of the district and individual shops.
The first phase of the iron shutter door paintings has been completed on nine shops, with the second phase currently underway on five more. In addition to painting the shutters, the Refined Street Management Committee has also created a nighttime spot suitable for family strolls. In conjunction with the “2020 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Taichung,” the area was adorned with a sea of lights, and creative designs were applied to the light flags, making Refined Street an ideal destination for families both day and night.