IDA Presents Downtown Achievement Awards Recognizing Excellence In Urban Place Management
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
During its 65th Annual Conference and Tradeshow in October 2019 in Baltimore, MD, the International Downtown Association recognized River City Company with the Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence for its work and initiatives related to Passageways 2.0.
The Award of Excellence acknowledges an excellent response to an industry challenge and exceeds the jury criteria. Passageways 2.0 was among 23 qualified entries in the category of Public Space. This category features capital improvements that have enhanced the urban design, transportation methods, physical function, or economic viability of downtown and the community.
“Passageways 2.0 has permanently transformed an underutilized alley into an interactive art experience and intimate public space providing a sense of discovery within Chattanooga’s urban environment.
Whether hosting community workshops, movie nights, silent dance parties or the setting for everyday exploration and use by surrounding businesses, Passageways 2.0 is an example of how successful public space can be activated in nontraditional locales in cities,” said Meagan Shinn, program director for River City Company.
“River City Company’s project received the IDA Award of Excellence for uniquely implementing best practice in urban place management,” said David Downey, IDA president and CEO. “Passageways 2.0 is a shining example of excellent urban place management delivering real value to the city and an exemplary response to a community challenge.”
A program of River City Company in partnership with Tinker Ma and Public Art Chattanooga, Passageways 2.0 opened in November 2018 at 10 E. 7th St. in downtown Chattanooga. Occupying a 6,200 square foot alley, City Thread, the winning design from the architecture and design collaborative of Molly Hunker and Greg Corso in Syracuse, NY called SPORTS is an art-as-urban-infrastructure installation that uses a continuous sculpture through the alley. Since its opening, the alley has hosted numerous community events including concerts, seminars, happy hours, networking events, an outdoor children’s classroom and more.