James Lima Planning + Development’s Post

The revitalization of the Michigan Theatre in Jackson is a testament to the power of community support, having successfully raised over $6.2 million. It's inspiring to see a once-dilapidated building being transformed into a modern entertainment hub. The theater's restoration, with phase two kicking off in January 2024, not only preserves its historical essence but also signifies the growth and cultural enrichment of Jackson. Local businesses are aligning with this resurgence. Tim Hortons' expansion and the opening of Stirling Books & Brew, alongside Murphy's Bistro, reflect an economic optimism that is contagious. These establishments aren't just businesses; they're the building blocks of a thriving community, each adding a unique flavor to the local scene. As a professional, I see this as more than a renovation—it's a reinvention of downtown Jackson. The anticipation surrounding the theater's grand reopening underscores the potential of urban renewal, creating a ripple effect that attracts both commerce and culture. It's a blueprint for how historic landmarks can become the heartbeats of tomorrow's cities. I'm eager to hear your thoughts on the impact of such restorations. Have you witnessed similar transformations in your community? What do you think these developments mean for local economies and cultural landscapes? Please share your insights in the comments below. #MichiganTheatre #CommunityDevelopment #UrbanRenewal #CulturalHub Original article: https://lnkd.in/e4nNvZim

In December 2023, I was invited by Courtney Christensen from Kansas City Public Library to give a keynote to open their 150th anniversary celebrations. In January I learned that ART IN THE LOOP FOUNDATION, the public art program for #KansasCity run by Downtown Council of Kansas City, had been so inspired by the talk that they had chosen #convivencia as the theme for their public art summer with KC STREETCAR AUTHORITY. This is the impact that I hoped to see from my research. In my latest newsletter, Ann Holliday and Edwing Mendez talk about how the capability of #coexistence transformed into more than 20 performances and installations. I find this story of Kansas City so inspiring. The big takeaways from it are: 1. There is no greater tool for communicating values than #publicart. 2. Public authorities have power and should use their power on how public spaces are used as a platform for the arts. 3. The biggest investments in the arts are not done by growing the cultural budget but incorporating the arts into public infrastructure. 4. Even when working on serious subjects, like downturn revitalization, do not forget play and wonder. Read the entire article here: https://lnkd.in/e6P3Y-wc

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Brooklyn Heights: A Historic Waterfront Community Minutes From Manhattan

Can the past help us to fall in love with the future? That's the question I was asked to address last week on a panel at Restitch, the community placemaking conference convened by Labour Together, CREATE STREETS and Onward. The things we love that are old, and the things we love that are new do not need to be different things. Some of University of the Arts London's most extraordinary campuses are buildings that have been transformed from an old life into bustling art schools: the former warehouse in Kings Cross that is now Central Saint Martins, University of The Arts London and the former military hospital on Millbank that now holds Chelsea College of Art and Design. We must stop imagining that preservation and innovation must always be in conflict. We preserve best when we test the boundaries of what a building can be. And we innovate best when we stay in dialogue with our history. But this tension between old and new is not the only polarity in this debate. On the panel, Ian Harrabin spoke of his own record in successful regeneration of heritage places, including Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. Build for the creative industries first, he said. Locals will be sceptical of places with a bad reputation, he said, but people from out of town will trust you and move in. Then Tilak Parekh shared some of the history of the extraordinary Neasden Temple: old and new at the same time, bringing life and identity to its community in Brent. Those stories have one thing in common: they remind us that it is the disruptors, the creatives, the outsiders and the young who are often first to make regeneration possible. The protection of heritage and history that ‘locals’, traditionalists and older generations tend to prioritise is only possible if they embrace disruption too. Those who value community and heritage (as I do) cannot indulge a politics of rage against creativity, youth, or newcomers. This is something that conservatism used to understand. As Lampedusa put it in The Leopard, "Everything must change so that everything can stay the same." The culture war, which pits old against young, and tradition against innovation harms both.

As we reflect on Kansas City's vibrant history, it's incredible to see how pivotal moments have shaped our city's unique character. From groundbreaking innovations to cultural milestones, each event has contributed to the thriving city we call HOME. The Birth of Jazz: Kansas City's rich jazz heritage began in the 1920s, establishing the city as a hub for this iconic music genre. The 18th and Vine District became a legendary hotspot where jazz legends like Charlie Parker and Count Basie rose to fame. Sporting Triumphs: The city’s sports culture has seen historic victories, such as the Kansas City Royals' World Series wins in 1985 and 2015, and the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl triumphs in 1970, 2020 and now BACK TO BACK in 2023 and 2024. These achievements have united our community and fostered a spirit of pride and resilience. Architectural Marvels: Landmarks like the Country Club Plaza, designed in 1922, have not only enhanced our cityscape but also attracted millions of visitors, making it a beloved shopping and cultural destination. Civil Rights Advancements: Kansas City played a significant role in the civil rights movement, with local leaders and activists pushing for equality and justice, leaving an indelible mark on our societal progress. Economic Growth: The establishment of major corporations and the revitalization of urban areas have driven economic prosperity, creating opportunities and shaping Kansas City's future. Each of these moments, and many more, have woven together the rich tapestry of Kansas City's history. Let’s continue to celebrate and build upon the legacy of this extraordinary city.

The Fox Theater in Oakland was the subject of a $75 million dollar renovation in 2009 that restored the architecture and decorative detailing to its original splendor, and installed audio, lighting and stage equipment appropriate for a 2,800-seat venue that could host nationally and internationally known musicians. Like all of the Fox theaters that were built across the US in the first part of the 20th century, the Fox Oakland has a wild mix of medieval and moorish architectural decoration that is executed with a such a high level of craft, attention and sincere fondness, that it escapes being pastiche. As part of this renovation, the Fox building also added facilities to house the Oakland School for the Arts, a charter performing, visual and literary arts magnet middle and high school whose student population is as ethnically, culturally and economically diverse as Oakland is. I can think of few American cities that have such a unique building in their city centers with such a remarkably varied life and function during the course of the day and week. Downtowns across America are struggling to re-invent themselves right now and there’s likely two, three, maybe five years for many of our downtowns to find their footing again- quite likely as much more economically diversified and mixed-use than their previous selves. Downtown Oakland especially, sitting within a city with so much community vulnerability and economic disparity, is feeling the current pain. I have to be believe though, that those downtowns that are historically mixed-use, and understand the value in investing in arts, and culture, and education, and housing, and preserving and fighting for local businesses that are representative of their population, will be rewarded in this next chapter. Oakland has a scrappy and beautiful downtown that is perennially on the verge of greatness and the Fox theatre, and the Oakland School for the Arts are a special part of a future legacy that achieves that greatness. Extra special for me tonight as I watch my daughter and her friends and classmates, perform onstage for their graduation show. #Oakland #OSA #OaklandSchoolfortheArts #FoxTheater #mixeduse #downtown #urbanplanning #metamorphosis

Exploring Atlanta? Here's Our Advice! Discover Atlanta's diverse neighborhoods, indulge in Southern cuisine at local eateries, explore historic landmarks like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, and unwind in Piedmont Park. Embrace the city's rich culture and vibrant arts scene with visits to the High Museum of Art and the Fox Theatre. Don't miss out on Atlanta's bustling nightlife and unique shopping experiences. 🌆 #kdmrealestate #atlanta #realestateinvesting #realestateinvestor #realestate #realestatetips #luxuryrealestate #propertyinvestment

Though many (notably with economic privilege) romanticize moving to NYC to live out their dreams, it's not easy to sustain a life here. Let’s just say, it takes a lot of - not giving up - over and over again to see a bigger and better tomorrow in this city. CF currently finds itself at a unique and critical juncture. Within the past 10 years, we have invested in slow growth including (1) the breadth and scope of our artistic programs (2) the size and makeup of our staff and board, (3) the acquisition of our new permanent facility (which has more than tripled our footprint, but requires significantly more labor to operate) (4) the continued search for new funding opportunities with our increased budget while public funding continues to decrease; private funders are making shifts in priorities away from the Arts and Culture; and some are sadly sunsetting. I often find myself questioning if it was smart, to risk growing this incubator and artistic home during these trying times, and the answer is and will always be YES. As I watch a large number of peer organizations close their doors, I become more certain that we CANNOT STOP supporting the work that makes this City magical. Though it’s taking a lot of - not giving up - we remain committed to building a home for groundbreaking performances outside of Manhattan and grounded in our mission of supporting artists in their process of risk-taking. Personally, through my work at CFT, I’m learning that I moved to this City to contribute to the - not giving up - on Arts and Culture, to advocate for what makes NYC vibrant and inspirational. It’s inevitable and a key ingredient to revolution. And THE time to take those risks is now or never if we hope to create a bigger and better tomorrow across the globe. I’m deeply grateful and fortunate to be a part of an organization that will always be a part of THAT revolution. I am certain that with a donation of any size that is available to you****, this hope will manifest. https://ow.ly/AjBt50SmVsH

This is a really important piece to digest when thinking about the consistent doom-mongering about the state of the arts, lack of funding and the scarcity trap everyone finds themselves in (not only financial, also time, mindset and more). I quote from Chrissie, as there's no need to paraphrase: "Recent newspaper headlines describing the plight of “England’s cultural jewels”, with national institutions like the RSC “barely hanging on”, as loss of local authority grants and the cost-of-living crisis bite, make it important to recognise the political austerity into which Heart of Glass was born.  Savage economic and social inequalities and the brutal divisiveness that can follow have long been a reality for its communities. A fearless determination to work with partners to confront this has led Heart of Glass to consciously expand what ambition and quality mean......Words like co-creation and collaboration have become ubiquitous (YES HAVEN'T THEY?!). Yet support for artists doing such work is not always there. More than simply identify itself as a learning organisation, Heart of Glass has worked to create spaces for collective learning and unlearning." How can institutional structures (including funders, including the big cultural organisations) learn and unlearn. What can this mean for allowing artists the support to do deep work in communities, on the periphery? How can we resist the narrative of "not enough' which becomes a self perpetuating micro-violence from those who have salaries and a lot to work with toward those on the edge (and their communities and stakeholders) doing important and invisible work (RSC Exec Producer has just been advertised at 115k a year - with respect this is not hanging on) - like Heart of Glass and many many many many others. How can we truly and deeply support those who have fearless determination and step out to make new things rise from the ground? Thanks Dr. Chrissie Tiller - for this timely piece.