What does it take to make a neighborhood great? Local, regional and national thought leaders will gather in Columbus from September 16th to 19th to discuss that very topic at the Great Placemakers Lab, in hopes of further advancing neighborhood-building efforts locally and across the US.
The Great Placemakers Lab is a three and a half day workshop that focuses on neighborhood innovations. The event includes interactive sessions, nationally-known speakers including Jeff Speak and Jim Diers, and exploration activities that will take place in various neighborhoods in urban Columbus.
“Columbus is an ideal laboratory for learning about the art of great placemaking,” says Lab Director Matt Shad. “German Village’s 50+ years of historic preservation; Short North’s exciting infill development; innovative community building partnerships in Weinland Park; and reimagining of neighborhoods such as Franklinton all make our city a perfect setting to learn about each neighborhood’s unique path to transformation.”
On Friday, September 19th, the event will also feature a Walkability Summit, co-sponsored by Walkable Neighborhoods, which will focus on the physical enhancements to spaces within neighborhoods. The entire event is designed to embrace both professional planners, architects and designers as well as “arm-chair planners” and more casual urban enthusiasts who want to be a part of the conversation and share their ideas and their passions.
For more information, tickets and event details, visit www.GreatPlacemakers.org.