[EtoV]

Vancouver has been testing street closures adjacent to main streets to create public areas on the street. Some of them have been as simple as some picnic benches and umbrellas, but others include things like ping pong tables and children's games. They've been wildly popular and I feel like this is the private version of that. Obviously there's some downsides to having community spaces private, but this could definitely fill a similar role.

The test version of this one was so popular that they actually created another one a block north, not sure how permanent they are though:
https://vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/cambie-and-18th-pavement-to-plaza.aspx

 

[archited]

This is very nearly what I have been suggesting for most intersections that bump into Alberta Avenue west of 79th street with exceptions at 82nd Street, 95th Street, and 97th Street. The other through-ways for traffic are unnecessary if collectors are made out of one-way avenues -- 119th and 117th (one west-bound and one east-bound).

 

[IanO]

This past summer Toronto turned a bunch of strip mall parking lots into beach beer gardens across the city and were incredible.

They permitted ordering from restaurants within two blocks to support local businesses and food was simply walked over.

Gerrard East Market brings the beach to an east-end parking lot

A collaborative beach-themed beer garden and patio (complete with sand), Gerrard East Market offers contactless eats from local restaurants

nowtoronto.com