The first two phases of the Old Wilmington Road Revitalization were officially launched in a groundbreaking ceremony in Fayetteville, NC on Tuesday April 20.  Urban Collage played a key role in master planning the expansive housing revitalization from initial HOPE VI efforts in 2006 and 2007 to detailed site planning and ongoing implementation support.

For local news coverage of the event, follow this link.

Bibb County Schools in Macon, GA recently received one of ten national recognitions for excellence in facilities management.  The FMXcellence award by Building Operating Management magazine recognizes facility management teams that are “making a difference” in supporting their organizations.  Urban Collage assisted Bibb County School’s Facility Management Team on the rebuild of Central High School and Southwest High School to involve the local communities in the facility planning and implementation process.

On March 25, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council approved an ordinance creating the Red Mile TIF Development Area and approving the city’s participation in the partnership.  The TIF now goes to the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority for state review.  Urban Collage has led the community-based process for this innovative mixed use development next to the Red Mile racetrack.

Urban Collage was retained by The City of Acworth to lead an effort to revitalize the historic neighborhood immediately north of the city’s lively Downtown area.  Capitalizing on the neighborhood’s assets including three historic churches, a 50-acre park, a rich fabric of historic homes and even a potential long-term commuter rail stop, the plan creates a wide array of new intown housing types with a focus on affordability.  The plan now serves as the centerpiece to an Opportunity Zone redevelopment area that was approved by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs in February 2010.

This year, the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “Best in Atlanta Real Estate Awards” recognized the “Deals of the Decade.”  Identified through several categories including Commercial, Residential, and Mixed-Use, projects were awarded for their creative vision and contribution to the economic sustainability of the metro Atlanta area.  Perhaps the highlight of the event was the “Overall Deal of the Decade,” which was awarded to the Midtown community, including several key development teams and the Midtown Alliance.  Having worked as a key advisor to the Midtown Alliance for over 10 years, Urban Collage congratulates the Midtown community on its significant achievements.