Tag Archive for: Feet on the Streets

Day of Service

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How do public spaces keep from becoming rundown?

The people who use them take responsibility. On January 21, 2013, more than sixty Chattanooga residents coordinated a public beautification effort along the Glass Street historic commercial corridor. Under the direction of “Champions,” the volunteers painted, cleaned, and landscaped public and vacant spaces within the target area. Teams also began preparations for the upcoming Better Block event. Activities for the day concluded with a shared meal and viewing of presidential inauguration coverage.

Outcome:
65+ volunteers attended
11 vacant storefronts painted
10 blocks cleared of street trash
5 vacant spaces prepared for Better Block event
50% lumber prepared for Better Block event
1 Welcome area painted
2 benches stained
2 sidewalks cleared of weeds

Media:
Channel 3
Channel 12
Facebook photo album can be viewed here.

Glass Flea

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Can ‘new-to-you’ merchandise spark new life to Glass Street? Of course it can. But, then again, anything is possible when dedicated residents put their creative minds and hearts toward the betterment of their community.

Gail McKeel and Daniel Crlencic joined forces to create Glass Flea, a pop-up shop for the Better Block on Glass event. They cleared and cleaned a vacant building, painted and installed storefront signage, and sent out a call to neighbors for ‘things-no-longer-loved.’ In a week, Glass Flea was filled with furniture, clothes, books, lamps, shoes, and a variety of other household trinkets.

During the Better Block event, a stage featuring live music entertained more than 450 customers that passed through the shop. The community hoped this would be more than a ‘flash in the pan,’ and Gail and Daniel answered this call to action. Now, Glass Flea is open on Saturdays from 10am to 5pm.

Outcomes:
3 people employed
Generated $650 dollars in sales during Better Block event
20 donations from residents

Rise Up Chattanooga

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Can a public art project reach people beyond the traditional “art world”? Rise Up Chattanooga is a public art project Read more

Scavenger Hunt

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Record a politician to singing ‘Mary had a Little Lamb.’ Share a BBQ sandwich with a stranger. Read more

Community Space

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The Glass Street community space is located at the intersection of North Chamberlain and Glass Street. The space is defined by a 80’ long shade structure made of wood, steel, and canvass and an earthen stage for public performances.

The idea for a new public space on Glass Street was developed through a series of visioning meetings.

With the support of Hefferlin+Kronenberg Architects, local designer Matthew Parks created and tested designs for the space with people from the neighborhood. Is it functional? Is it beautiful? What resources do we need to make this happen? This learning process continued into the construction phase of the project as well. On-site problem-solving was led by local designer Joshua Jorgensen,  Chattanooga-based artist Rondell Crier, and resident Travis Yeagley.

A plaque thanking all those involved was unveiled at a ribbon cutting ceremony with local elected officials and neighborhood association leadership. Now, our neighbors have a new and beautiful space for interaction and enjoyment on Glass Street – built by and for the community.

Outcomes:
25 people engaged
$2,600 worth of donated materials
230 hours of volunteered time

Glass Street Design/Build Summer Camp

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Can 12 teenagers turn an eyesore into a neighborhood hangout in less than a month? They can if they’re part of the inaugural Glass Street Design/Build Camp, a free two-week program for ages 12 and over. Participating on a voluntary basis, teens were led through a charette to build process by local architect, Kelly Fitzgerald and artist/sculptor, Rondell Crier.

The concept, developed the first week, is a musical playground that will beautify the space and encourage community. The temporary installation was constructed on concrete slabs of demolished buildings – property owned by Community of Christ Church, who also donated $5,000 for materials.

Besides practical knowledge like how to operate a concrete grinder or build scaled models, the campers gained soft skills like collaboration, communication and creative problem-solving – helping prepare them for the workforce. The project also fostered new relationships with area kids and the church, located across the street from GHC offices.

Ultimately, the kids created way more than an outdoor installation. They built an appreciation for their neighborhood, a sense of pride in themselves and a foundation for future success.

Outcomes:

12 kids participated
24 models assembled before build phase
30  street lights repurposed
8 power tools used by kids
$2,500 amount of donated materials
7 collaborators
10 items delivered and donated from the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
120 hours worked

Media:

View Facebook album here.