Place Lab congratulates five Ethical Redevelopment Salon Members and one of our city partners on being winners of the 2017 Knight Cities Challenge. The Knight Cities Challenge seeks new and innovative ideas for projects located in 26 communities where the Knight Foundation invests. Learn more here about the Knight Foundation and their efforts to support ideas that make communities more vibrant places to live and work.
The 33 winners of the 2017 Knight Cities Challenge were selected from more than 4,500 applicants.
Hunter Franks • Akron, OH
Recipient: Hunter Franks
Award: $224,453
Goal: To increase public life in Akron by transforming a decommissioned freeway into a temporary forest and public space.
Tayyib Smith • Philadelphia, PA
Recipient: Little Giant Creative / Tayyib Smith
Award: $300,000
Goal: Building more equitable communities by launching a series of convenings across several cities where decision-makers, social entrepreneurs, activists and innovators discuss equitable community development.
Kris Nonn • Lexington, KY
Chase Cantrell • Detroit, MI
Recipient: Building Community Value / Chase Cantrell
Award: $157,500
Goal: Expanding economic opportunity by empowering Detroiters to become neighborhood real estate developers through a community-based education program adapted from a University of Michigan course.
Alysia Osborne • Charlotte, NC
Recipient: Charlotte Center City Partners / Alysia Osborne
Award: $151,600
Goal: To increase vibrancy and connectivity in Charlotte by turning the Charlotte Rail Trail’s last remaining vacant space into a lively place to connect with nature and neighbors.
ArtHouse • Gary, IN
Recipient: City of Gary Redevelopment Commission (A partner in the development of ArtHouse: A Social Kitchen in Gary, IN)
Award: $163,333
Goal: To support economic development and downtown vibrancy by investing in the redevelopment of the historic United City Methodist Church which will serve as a cultural anchor in the community.