Category Archives: Uncategorized

Between the HRA’s staff report and various newspaper articles, I’m fielding many questions like that in the title of this blog. In spite of my best efforts, there are a few people out there that think that the NDDC is going to discriminate against anyone who doesn’t call themselves an artist. First, no one associatedContinue reading “What is a Creative Professional?”

The NDDC has been working to realize its vision for the Building for Creative Professionals (BCP) since the Artspace Projects’ concept for the former Middle School faded. In fact, we’ve been at it for over two years. In order to create an architectural gateway to Northfield, foster a community of residents that builds on ourContinue reading “A Gateway, Building Community, and Local Jobs”

This might appear to be a couple of down-on-their-luck graffitti taggers. Unable to afford spray paint, they’ve been reduced to using tape to mark their territory. However, I happen to know these ladies; they’re actually school teachers, so maybe they’re making some kind of political statement through a performance of agitprop. Deciphering the message, itContinue reading “Guerilla Gallery?”

It’s time to head back to Minnesota. I’ve enjoyed my stay in Seattle and learned a few things too. I think that I’ve further developed my sustainable design knowledge base for the Building for Creative Professionals, refined my perspective on community planning issues, particularly as it relates to the environment, and even picked up aContinue reading “So Long, Seattle”

Further illustrating opening themes, many of the workshop leaders at “Building a Sustainable Future” advocated what I’ll call asset based development. Reiterating that downtown’s competitive advantage is a sense of place, they suggested strengthening that advantage by enhancing the pedestrian-friendliness of downtown districts. Some of their recommendations were familiar, such as traffic signals, reduction ofContinue reading “Building on Our Advantage”