The Southside Sense of Place Project is an initiative by members of the KCCI 2010-2011 Catalyst Class to begin improvements to the South Adams Street Corridor that will cultivate an identity for the area – or a sense of place. An area with a sense of place has characteristics that make it special or unique, fosters authentic human attachment and belonging, protects the area’s cultural heritage and promotes cultural awareness. A place typically includes retail shops and opportunities for employment, people on the move and sidewalk encounters, a public park or square, and planned events or activities. In the coming year, the KCCI team will work with the City of Tallahassee-Leon County Planning Department, community groups, neighborhood associations and other governmental agencies to commence placemaking activities on South Adams Street.
On June 20, 2011, the City Commission approved the South Monroe/Adams Street Corridor Action Plan which was created through a partnership between Southside residents and businesses, the City’s planning department, and KCCI’s Southside Sense of Place team members. Construction is scheduled to being in early 2012.
Monroe-Adams Corridor Placemaking Action Plan
Download Monroe-Adams Corridor Placemaking Action Plan –Mission
The Southside Sense of Place Project team, in collaboration with existing stakeholders, the City of Tallahassee and Leon County, will ignite a sense of place movement in the South Adams Street area that ultimately will offer the area a distinct identity, establish plans to enhance the look and feel of the community, engage area businesses, residents and community leaders in the placemaking process, and build a coalition of support for future positive community enrichment.
Vision
The Southside Sense of Place Project aims to develop the south side of Tallahassee, particularly the South Adams Street area, into a safe, attractive, thriving community that contributes more effectively to the region economically, culturally and creatively.
Deliverables by September 30, 2011
• Designate an official name for the area, like SOGA (South of Gaines) or SOMO (South Monroe).
• Complete a Corridor Study with Florida A & M University landscape architecture students to develop plans for best using the space, pedestrian and travel needs, and other visual elements to help define South Adams Street.
• Host at least one Community Speak Up and one Community Clean-Up Day to engage and inform local residents and business owners in the South Adams Street placemaking initiative.
Project Team
The Southside Sense of Place Project team is co-chaired by Bobby Boone and Jenay Sermon; members include Nancy Blum-Heintz, Nita Jackson, Charlie Johnson, Chiquita McKnight, Jeff Peters, Rob Schiffer, Lauren Shoaf, Enrika Sissle and Alison Voorhees. For more information, contact Nancy Blum-Heintz at 850.321.9740 or Jeff Peters at 850.228.2823.
