The Full Frame Initiative’s Post

A little teaser of the goodness that is to come in Season 3 of ✨Shared Space✨. I interview the fabulous Krista Nightengale, executive director of the Better Block Foundation here in Dallas, Texas. We discuss the positive impact of their work on the following: ✨ Community Engagement:  - Involves local residents in project planning and execution.  - Hosts workshops and events to foster collaboration. ✨Urban Revitalization:  - Revitalizes underused spaces into vibrant, functional areas.  - Creates walkable, bike-friendly neighborhoods. ✨Economic Development:  - Supports local businesses by increasing foot traffic.  - Encourages pop-up shops and temporary markets. ✨Sustainable Practices:  - Promotes eco-friendly materials and sustainable building practices.  - Implements green spaces and community gardens. ✨Health and Wellness:  - Designs projects encouraging physical activity.  - Creates public spaces promoting social interaction and well-being. Looking forward to sharing with you all soon! ✨ If you're looking to catch up on past episodes, check out: https://lnkd.in/e_MMfRX #sharedspace #designforconnection #wellbeing

The Center for an Urban Future has just issued a superb commentary about specific steps NYC could take to support neighborhood parks partners. The problems and solutions it identifies mirror those for small BIDs in NYC, which I wrote about with @RPA last year in Go Local! Help Us Help You. The through line, not just in NYC but in many cities, is the need for proactive and positive policies to make place-centered partnerships more empowered and equitable, through Trusted Partner programs and other innovations. NYC has made very good progress under its new Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu, but there's still much more to be done. Finding solutions to these issues across sectors and across cities is my focus at the Sustaining Places Initiative at NYU Marron Institute of Urban Management. https://lnkd.in/eW78_-8R Go Local Report: https://lnkd.in/eHUKcM6T Sustaining Places: https://lnkd.in/ePFEpsJr.

In the recent ELLE Magazine article, “All Together Now: The Return Of The Commune,” Shannon Mahanty speaks to the resurgence of co-living, from diverse communities like the eco-commune of Honeydew in Italy, to the modern take of it at Mason & Fifth in England. One of our senior strategists, Emily Jarvis, gives her perspective. What was once a hallmark of the 70’s counterculture movement is now experiencing a renaissance, adapted and refined for modern life. One of my first encounters with the resurgence of this approach to living was when I learned of Atlanta’s Serenbe, and since that pre-COVID discovery, humanity's innate need for community has only increased. When thinking of the original forms of co-living, it oftentimes contains a multitude of elements: heightened individual responsibility, increased social interactions, and an integration of outdoor components. At its simplest, it focuses on a larger purpose. While the article takes the perspective that new offerings like Mason & Fifth are “commodify- ing what started off as genuine sharing”, it could be said that celebrating the spectrum of ways humans can connect is equally crucial. Can people hop in and out of a community to satiate their social needs? Maybe not. But building spaces that encourage conversations and connection with strangers around you can bring smaller doses of fulfillment for those not ready to make the commune commitment. We can look to these hybrid solutions to understand what humans are so desperately seeking and respond in ways that can foster these harmonious, larger-than-life connections. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eAWR5E9z #CommunalLiving #HousingCrisis #HousingRevolution #CounterCulture #Living #Lifestyle #BurnOut #Millennials #ModernLiving #Residential #ResilientCities #UrbanPlanning

Revitalizing Old American Main Streets ++ [improving communities] Revitalizing old American main streets plays a crucial role in enriching community identity, supporting local economies, revitalizing housing options, enhancing social connectivity, promoting sustainability, and fostering civic engagement. These interconnected benefits can lead to healthier, more vibrant, and charming communities that residents are proud to call home. -- Main streets often serve as the historical and cultural backbone of a community. They are usually home to landmarks, historic buildings, and sites that have shaped local identity. Revitalizing these areas helps preserve the unique stories and traditions that contribute to a sense of place and belonging. This preservation fosters community pride and enhances residents' connections to their heritage. -- Reinvigorating main streets can create a conducive environment for small businesses to thrive. These areas are often prime locations for shops, restaurants, and services that cater to local needs. By attracting foot traffic, enhancing visibility, and providing affordable space, revitalization initiatives can support entrepreneurship, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth within the community. -- Many main streets, particularly those that are revitalized, can support mixed-use developments that include residential options. This diversification helps to address housing shortages and can attract a diverse population, including young professionals, families, and retirees. By providing more housing options in central areas, communities can reduce sprawl and enhance walkability, leading to healthier lifestyles and more vibrant neighborhoods.

Glow Parks Part 2: Igniting a Community Renaissance A flicker of awareness is sparking in Texas, where the lone glow park has ignited more than just its luminous features—it's caused a ripple of interest and movement. Conversations are underway, connections are being made, and the seeds of transformation are being planted. The glow park concept is beginning to take root, but the time has come for these vibrant, free spaces to become an integral part of every community's strategy for revitalization. In a time when families are desperately seeking affordable ways to enjoy their evenings, glow parks offer a solution that makes economic sense. The typical night out is a costly endeavor, burdening families who cannot afford to spend money every night. The glow park changes this dynamic by providing a cost-free, engaging option that caters to the needs of all family members. Children, with their boundless energy and need for active, independent play, are particularly underserved when it comes to nighttime activities. While adults may be content with a serene evening stroll by the river, children require more rambunctious, rugged play to tire them out—allowing hardworking parents to get the rest they need for the next day's challenges. The stark reality is that there are simply not enough free nighttime options for families. Glow parks must become a cornerstone of urban planning and community revitalization efforts. As cities and towns across the nation strive to reinvent themselves, the inclusion of glow parks in their strategies is not just a bright idea—it's an essential one. The spark has been lit in Texas. Now, it's time for that glow to spread, transforming our communities one park at a time. #lighting #design #cities #urban #urbanism

On Wednesday, the Dallas City Council voted to expand efforts in preserving historic and cultural spaces vital to communities of color. With the adoption of the Historic and Cultural Preservation Strategy, Dallas is embarking on a city-wide initiative to protect its rich history in an equitable manner. HR&A Advisors is proud to have worked with the City of Dallas and many dedicated community and preservation leaders to develop a community-led, racial equity-focused Strategy for Historic and Cultural Preservation.   The Strategy celebrates the 50 years of work done by the City's preservation program and charts an exciting path forward with new tools and resources to address the historic and cultural preservation needs of Dallas' Freedmen's Towns, barrios, and other historically marginalized or overlooked communities. Every neighborhood has a story to tell, and this plan provides an opportunity for all voices to be heard, emphasizing the importance of people as well as buildings.   As Analyst Kas Tebbetts shared during the City Council briefing, there “was enthusiasm around extra support for things like community organizations and small businesses that are really the cornerstones of their communities.” With the Council’s approval, we are excited to see the plan in action, making a positive impact on neighborhoods across Dallas. In 2022, HR&A Advisors assisted the City of Dallas in passing the Equitable Economic Development Policy, which prioritizes removing disparities for Dallas residents, fostering full participation in cultural and civic life, and reducing the city’s racial wealth gap. #DallasHistory #CommunityPreservation #CulturalHeritage

As suburbs mature, cities contemplate the evolution of these vital hubs catering to all ages and life stages. Discover how Minneapolis Twin Cities navigates the challenges and unveils potential solutions. #SeniorLiving #CommunityCenters #Minneapolis #TwinCities #ThirdSpaces #UrbanPlanning

This article drills down into the specifics of how our Residential and Senior Living studios are converging to create remarkable intergenerational communities that address the broad variety of factors that influence the design of these environments. #perkinseastman;#seniorliving;#intergenerational;#activeadult;#multifamily

An important enabler of living connected to place is being able to work near where you live and, through your work, contribute positively to the place where you live, as Nic Jay Aulston’s story illustrates in this profile. Nic also helps us understand there are many layers to what constitutes local work, including ownership, employees, customers or clients, and relationships with other local organizations and businesses. This post is part of my Profiles in Living Connected to Place series that portrays individuals living connected to place with intention and the support of systems that make it possible. https://lnkd.in/gmYzJHsA

Make every room feel like home! Discover how personalized spaces can transform the senior living experience. Watch Jerry’s latest 2-min insights video and then add your thoughts in the comments. #seniorliving #seniorlivinginsights