Neighborhood Planner at the City of Canton
Two-Part Session: In 2016 the City of Canton adopted a Comprehensive Plan. This plan prioritized Downtown Canton as a location for revitalization; as well as a formula to raise public funds which in turn were utilized toward a catalytic redevelopment project; Centennial Plaza. This project would turn an underutilized block of Downtown Canton into a lively civic space. As a result of the success of Centennial Plaza, the City of Canton has worked with partners to establish the Downtown Canton Partnership that supports downtown revitalization efforts, programming of events, and oversight of the Downtown Canton Special Improvement District and Downtown Canton Landbank. Additionally, support has been provided to anchor institutions including the Historic Canton Palace Theatre, the First Ladies National Historic Site, and a number of private establishments through grant programs, infrastructure development, and collaboration. Lastly, the city has been working to reimagine the public realm in Downtown Canton through a number of initiatives including a branding and wayfinding program, the implementation of projects such as the construction of a public restroom facility, and the programming of events such as First Fridays, the Canton Farmers Market, and Downtown Canton Mural Fest. During this presentation Donn Angus, the Director of Planning, along with Cassie Pearson, will discuss the social and economic factors that impacted Downtown Canton prior to the revitalization efforts, what public and private revitalization efforts have occurred in Downtown Canton since and the use and success of the revitalization programs offered by the City of Canton. Approved for 1.00 AIA LU credit, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.
Two-Part Session: After hearing about the plans for the continued revitalization of downtown Canton, experience first hand the process of undertaking a design charrette to reactivate the historic Court Street corridor. Approved for 2.00 AIA HSW Credit, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.