Hey—yes, our street benches have it. I know exactly the gap you mean. It’s one of those small details that looks odd until you think about how a real street works.
We call it a sweep gap or maintenance clearance. The legs are still anchored securely, but the lower frame stops a few inches above the ground. On most models we leave about 4 to 6 inches.
The main reason is simple: public benches collect leaves, litter, dirt, and snow. If the base sits flush to the pavement, sweeping around it leaves a dirty ring. A raised gap lets a broom, leaf blower, or pressure washer pass underneath without crews having to move the bench or fight awkward corners.
It also improves drainage. Water can flow under the bench instead of pooling around the feet, which reduces rust and staining over time. In snowy areas, it makes shoveling around the bench much easier.
The trade-off is mostly visual. Some people prefer a bench that looks planted directly on the ground, and that can be fine in plazas or private courtyards. But on public streets, the gap earns its keep by cutting maintenance time and keeping the area cleaner.
So yes—if you see that gap on one of our street benches, it is intentional. Once you notice it, you will probably start seeing it everywhere.