By: Deborah Johnson Wood
In 2005, the first West Michigan Regional Urban Design charrettes sponsored by the West Michigan Strategic Alliance (WMSA) and the American Institute of Architects Grand Valley Chapter tackled urban and environmental challenges in the greater Grand Rapids, Holland, and Muskegon Heights/Norton Shores area.
Those charrettes produced more than plans and designs. They generated, to-date, nearly $7 million dollars in funding for the projects proposed by the charrettes.
More than 115 architects, planners, engineers, residents, elected officials, and other members of the WMSA's Green Infrastructure Leadership Council gathered earlier this month to develop possible solutions for several more projects: the Holland Gateway at 8th Avenue and Chicago Drive, the proposed Bus Rapid Transit route on Division Avenue between 36th and 60th streets in Grand Rapids, and the expected growth around Michigan's Adventure in Muskegon County.
"Charrettes normally cost tens of thousands of dollars," said Katie Kahl, WMSA's Green Infrastructure project manager. "All the professional services we got were pro bono."
The sessions produced a portfolio of ideas that contained drawings, a PowerPoint presentation of each plan, and aerial photos of the areas involved—all the tools needed to pursue funding. Community involvement and implementation are needed, as well.
"It's so exciting to see all the planners and designers and people interested in keeping the environment healthy all in the same room together," Kahl said. "That is a natural partnership."
The WMSA plans to do 45 charrettes in the next five years.
More information can be found at the WMSA web site at www.wm-alliance.org.
Source: Katie Kahl, West Michigan Strategic Alliance
Deborah Johnson Wood is the Development News Editor for Rapid Growth. She can be reached at [email protected].
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