<p>Recently the functions of streets as public spaces have been reframed. It is important to understand them not only for traffic-calming purposes but also for creating a "sense of place" in residential streets. The aim of this paper is to investigate an improvement project and the process of "street art paving" in a residential area in Tokamachi City, Niigata. The project's success factors were due to low traffic street leading to the destination, well-communicated among people involved, judgement by the Public Safety Commission, low cost paving, and the street widening project requested by the residents.</p>