FSB Architects + Engineers’ Post

It was 1'sh a.m., way past my usual 9:00 p.m. bedtime, but last night, sleep just wasn't happening. Have you ever felt that mix of excitement and nerves about what's ahead? That's exactly where I am right now. I always thought I had a good grasp on the historical struggles and sacrifices made for freedom and equality. But today, something shifted. As an emerging developer attending the 'Building Small' conference, I found myself in Savannah, Georgia, merely a visitor, touring areas steeped in history, where the legacy of slavery is deeply ingrained. At one point, we stopped at the MLK Memorial in Martin Luther King Park, and it was like nothing I've experienced before. It was as if I could feel the presence of the ancestors, a connection that was almost overwhelming. Their unspoken messages of encouragement and perseverance seemed to fill the air, making me feel like they were saying, "We've been waiting for you." This visit wasn't about my projects or involvement; it was about understanding and respecting the profound legacy of the area. It's given me a deeper perspective on the responsibility we have as developers, not just to build, but to honor and contribute to these communities in meaningful ways. It's a heavy yet inspiring realization that adds a whole new layer to my professional journey. #agentkee #development #sellingsacramento #BuildingSmallConference #SavannahHistoricalTour #MLKMemorialVisit #DeveloperJourney #HistoricalLegacy #CommunityDevelopment #AncestorsWisdom #RespectingHistory #UrbanDevelopmentInsights #ReflectionsOnHeritage

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

"Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together." – Vincent Van Gogh At WRMC, we know that successful development projects are built on careful planning and execution. Our Developer Services bring together every detail to create thriving communities. #QuoteOfTheMonth #DeveloperServices #CommunityDevelopment #StrategicPlanning #WRMCExcellence

An interesting article from Ruth Bloomfield in the Evening Standard this week spotlighting Peckham and the impact that growing popularity and rising rents is having on the local community.     Turner.Works project Peckham Levels is mentioned in the article as an example of positive development in the area. Peckham Levels embodies our approach to delivering places that are both commercially successful and able to meet genuine community needs. Following close collaboration and consultation with the local community, we transformed a derelict car park into a vibrant social and arts space, which provides employment and affordable creative workspace (prioritised for local people), and injects profits back into supporting the community.   We applied the same way of thinking when designing Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in Peckham. At its core, Mountview is designed to break down barriers to entry into an historically hard-to-access industry for young people from all backgrounds, also offering affordable spaces for local community arts groups and revenue-driving cafés and bar.    As we move forward, let's prioritise projects that seamlessly integrate with the unique character of a place, avoiding the creation of buildings that feel out of place and, inadvertently, displace the very people and businesses that define the community.   https://lnkd.in/eqzRiEVm

Yesterday, I wrote and delivered this national trends report to my local Goose Creek, SC Cultural Arts Commission. This report offers insights into emerging trends in the arts sector focusing on community engagement, equity, accessibility, and supporting diverse leadership within the arts. While some recommendations are tailored specifically to Goose Creek, such as supporting local arts-based businesses and making arts spaces more accessible, the overarching themes of inclusivity, equitable practices, and the importance of community engagement are universally applicable. This report encourages communities everywhere to evaluate their arts programming and initiatives through these lenses, suggesting that even those outside Goose Creek could find valuable strategies and ideas to apply locally. Whether it's diversifying the types of art presented, ensuring equitable pay and contracts for artists, or enhancing accessibility for all community members, there's a wealth of insights that can inspire positive changes in arts communities nationwide. #ArtsInnovation #CommunityArts #EquitableArts #CulturalTrends #ArtsAccessibility #InclusiveArts #LocalArtsImpact #CreativeCommunities #ArtsAdvocacy #GooseCreekArts

Join Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax, racial equity leader and practitioner Amber Sims, and renowned preservation architect Marcel Quimby, FAIA for a panel discussion on the future of equitable historic and cultural preservation in Dallas moderated by Sylvia Komatsu Chief Content Officer for Kera. This event is co-hosted by Preservation Dallas and Dallas Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation, and Transformation.     With the passing of the Racial Equity Plan in 2022 and the Equitable Economic Development Policy in last year, the City of Dallas has prioritized eliminating disparities for Dallas residents, fostering full participation in cultural and civic life, and eliminating the city’s racial wealth gap.    This discussion will explore the following questions:   How do these priorities translate to the City's historic preservation program, and the preservation of diverse communities' history and culture?  What tools and resources are necessary to effectively conserve history and culture in our city's barrios, Freedman's Towns, and other unique communities?  How do we save what makes Dallas special?  What does Dallas' "identity" mean to each of us?    Register for the event below.     #DallasHistory #EquityInPreservation #CommunityDialogue 

Council buildings for community decision-making, including Senate, assembly, synagogue, and Greek bouleuterion, hold usually no more than five hundred participants. The personal interaction between them is of the utmost concern. They often have galleries for observer seating. 📍Philadelphia City Hall, Pennsylvania pg. 189, The Art of Classic Planning #councilbuildings #philadelphia #classicplanning #traditionalarchitecture

Just in!! An exclusive look at what's going on in Hispanic Homeownership 🙌 #hispanichomeownership #wealthcreation #nahrep #wealth #realestate

A THRIVING ARTS COMMUNITY BRINGS UNDENIABLE BENEFITS TO TROUP COUNTY BY IDA DURAND | ARTWORK BY ANNIE GREENE A vibrant arts community offers numerous benefits to LaGrange. The arts represent a fundamental aspect of human expression, reflecting the sophistication of a society, Investing in the arts and cultural scene not only enhances the city's reputation but also boosts business activities, tourism, and overall resident satisfaction levels. By championing our local artists, we play a pivotal role in bolstering the economy and supporting the creative talents that enrich our community, dynamic arts environment attracts newcomers and catalyzes the growth of new galleries, theaters, and dining establishments, thereby elevating the city's status and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Through strategic investments in the arts, we can transform LaGrange into a more appealing place to live for all its inhabitants. Nurturing a thriving arts community also fosters stronger communal bonds, promotes civic involvement, and contributes to lower poverty rates. Creating a supportive atmosphere for the arts provides a platform for local artists to flourish, contributing to a vibrant arts sector that benefits both creators and art enthusiasts. during times of financial constraints, the arts often bear the brunt of budget cuts. Neglecting to support the arts can hamper their potential growth when resources are scarce. This underscores the importance of prioritizing and investing in the arts, even amid challenges. By uniting as a community to back the arts, we ensure that local artists have a stage to showcase their skills, residents have access to top-tier art, and our community continues to thrive through a flourishing arts environment. Let us collectively contribute to making LaGrange a renowned hub for the arts. Highland Living Magazine is currently seeking sponsors who are passionate about supporting the arts and promoting local talent. By partnering with us, sponsors will not only have the opportunity to align their brand with a respected publication but also to demonstrate their commitment to our vibrant artistic community. For more information about becoming a sponsor, please contact Ida Solomon Durand, Publisher Highland Living Magazine 706.523.1497 [email protected] #lagrange #troupcounty #Lagrangega #Highlandliving #bestversionmedia #localart #communitybuilding

📊 Just in! Get an exclusive look at the latest discoveries from the 2023 State of Hispanic Homeownership Report. Released at the Homeownership & Wealth Building Conference, it's now yours to uncover. Tap the link for the full report: https://nahrep.org/shhr/ — #RealEstateInsights #RealEstateNews #SHHR #HispanicWealthProject