After several neighbors fell down a path on a steep slope, a retired automotive mechanic spent $550 of his own money to building a staircase. Later the city threatened to tear the stairs down because they did not match the regulations. In comparison the city had estimated a price tag of $65,000 to $150,000 for … Read more
When we visited the Statue of Liberty, our approach was from the New Jersey side. Walking towards the dock for the ferry, it was incredibly moving to see the 9/11 memorial and the skyline of Manhattan in the distance. The opening within the grove of trees provided a perfect vista. Approaching the statue, again we … Read more
Jamestown will forever claim title to the oldest permanent English settlement in America. While the Spanish may point to their origins on the continent as far back as St. Augustine in 1565, and the Dutch, French, and Swedes have origin stories of their own – the Jamestown settlement factors prominently in the American imagination. This … Read more
College of William and Mary The Wren Building at the College of William & Mary is the oldest building at the nation’s second oldest institution of higher learning. Inside and outside there is a palpable sense of history. Merchants Square Inspired by the rich architectural heritage of the 18th century, Merchants Square blends the atmosphere … Read more
The area beneath the bridge where Water Street passes through, was adapted into a public space. Picnic tables run down the center. Uplighting of the masonry barrel arch give the space a presence after dark.
This 78 foot bar was built beneath a shed roof festooned with plants and garden lights. A lush oasis in the heart of the city hearkens back to the beer garden tradition. This is much preferable to the exposed and open tables and chairs without any covering that were located in this space before. The … Read more
“Case Studies on Economic Resiliency in Rural Communities,” at Balancing Nature and Commerce in Gateway Communities, The Conservation Fund, Sheperdstown, West Virginia (January 2017) This session provided real world examples of thriving rural communities and the tools and techniques they use; highlighted the keys to success of working with diverse public, private, and nonprofit partners; defined and … Read more
The ever-evolving South Street Seaport was dealt a terrible blow when Hurricane Sandy struck in 2012. Covered in several feet of water, this required everything to be rethought and rebuilt in the aftermath of the storm. Today the district shows a level of vitality it likely has not seen in a very long time. Very refined … Read more
Have fun and set a good example by becoming involved at many levels of your community. The best lesson is your own enthusiastic involvement in making your world a better place. Situation Skill When a volunteer is needed… Volunteer! When someone has no place to sit… Give them a place to sit If someone says … Read more
We had the most wonderful of surprises running across this parklet on a recent visit to Trenton, New Jersey. Situated steps from the State House there may not be a higher visibility location in all of New Jersey. This miniature public park provided a public space with seating, greenery, and other amenities. Installed to coincide with … Read more