Community Design Center News......................................... December 2021
We Need Your Support
Who could have imagined the pandemic would continue to significantly impact our lives and communities through 2021? An unexpected silver lining of this might just be the greater recognition that community-centered design is essential to foster a sense of belonging, improve quality of life, and advance health and prosperity through the build environment. It's clear: the challenges we've faced together are a call to action for transformative placemaking.

Please consider supporting the CDCR as we work toward equity and inclusion through the design of our built environment. Your gift will ensure the CDCR is well-positioned to influence and advance transformative placemaking in the Greater Rochester area.

$100 - Will share our story
$250 - Will build a better block
$500 - Will build a better village
$1,000 - Will build a better city
 

IT'S EASY TO GIVE! Just click the button below or send a check to:

Community Design Center Rochester
1115 E Main Street, Box 61
Rochester, NY 14609
Virtual Event Recap
Each year, the CDCR presents a special event to honor the winners of the Reshaping Rochester Awards. The awards recognize exemplary regional initiatives and projects that positively impact people, neighborhoods, and the community. This year we celebrated virtually on November 17.

Before we get too far into the event recap, we want you to know that you're able to relive the whole event for free via recording! Interested? Click the button below.
Follow along in the Digital Program, designed by Mariam Yaqub & Monika Reifenstein!
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THE SPEAKER
Our Urban Observations speaker this year was Mayor-Elect Malik Evans! Attendees have called his talk invigorating. His presentation begins at 1:00:50 in the recording linked above.
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THE JURY
Each year, a set community members from a range of backgrounds is selected to sit on a jury and determine our winners. A big thank you to this year's members, who are pictured below!
From left to right: Lanie Bittner (Greater Rochester Association of Realtors), Richard Glaser (Roc Growth), Tamra O'Donnell (Canandaigua National Bank), Andrew Petrosky (Stantec), & Stephanie Rankin (Rochester Gas & Electric)
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THE WINNERS
And now, the moment you've all been waiting for...

It was almost impossible to choose winners from the great selection of finalists this year -- alas, it had to happen. Check out our esteemed honorees below and consider reaching out to congratulate them on their accomplishments!
Award for Design in recognition of projects that demonstrate design excellence and contribute to enriching the public realm.
Image Credit: Savannah Lauren
SMALL CATEGORY WINNER
Ripple Art Installation
The Urban Conga & Healthi Kids
Ripple Art Installation was recognized for using a design inspired by community workshops to highlight the value of play in everyday spaces and its impact on creating more social, healthy, safe, and inclusive cities.
Image Credit: Laura Fox O'Sullivan
MEDIUM CATEGORY WINNER
The Commissary Downtown
Kitchen Incubator
Laura Fox O'Sullivan
The Commissary Downtown Kitchen Incubator was recognized for creating new food business ownership opportunities for members of the Rochester community, by reducing startup barriers and offering development support services.
Image Credit: Michael Trapanovski
LARGE CATEGORY WINNER
The Apartments at Thurston Village
Home Leasing
The Apartments at Thurston Village were recognized for the restoration of occupied unlivable spaces into high quality, affordable housing for the same tenants, and the positive ripple effect on the surrounding environment.
Award for Activism in recognition of civic spirit, persistence, and determination in turning a vision into reality.
Image Credit: Arturo Hoyt
WINNER
Hinge Neighbors
Hinge Neighbors was recognized for exemplifying the power of neighborhood voices in their mission to promote racial, economic, and residential equity in the communities divided by Inner Loop North.
Directors' Award in recognition of long-range efforts that have enhanced the public realm and contributed to its vibrancy.
Image Credit: The Urban League of Rochester
WINNER
The Urban League of Rochester
The Urban League of Rochester and their Urban League of Rochester Economic Development Corporation were recognized for their decades of work to revive and rebuild our city's neighborhoods; offering opportunity, access, and equity where these critical needs were unmet.

View the feature videos for the honorable mention and winner.
Congratulations to all our winners and finalists!
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION
In addition to the work of our staff and Awards Committee, the Ceremony could not have been pulled off without the assistance of one wonderful volunteer.
Brian Hathaway
Brian created the finalist feature videos linked above.

Brian Hathaway is a local artist and the founder of NarraTime, a virtual collaborative storytelling experience similar to Dungeons & Dragons. It's appropriate for all ages and can be enjoyed from the comfort of home. NarraTime primarily functions as an afterschool program, providing children with a safe and fun environment that promotes social emotional learning, critical thinking, and using your imagination. NarraTime also does special events like birthdays and more. For more information, visit NarraTime.org or email [email protected].
Share Your Voice!
Inner Loop North Public Meeting Tonight

Curious about the most recent plans for Inner Loop North? Want to give the team some direct feedback? Be sure to check out the FINAL public engagement opportunity:

December 7 @ 6:00pm (YMCA Center for Equity, 53 Lewis Street)


See what our friends are doing:
Sunday, Dec. 12 | 3:00pm-5:00pm | Zoom

The Landmark Society's highly anticipated Annual Awards Ceremony honors individuals and organizations in the nine-county region that have made outstanding efforts in preservation. Note: This event will start with a brief business meeting.


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Saturday, Dec. 11 | 1:00pm-2:00pm | Zoom

Is cycling really a viable transportation option year-round in one of the world's snowiest cites? Find out when you join Reconnect Rochester's Jesse Peers for a virtual workshop hosted by the Central Library (spoiler alert: the answer is ABOSULTELY). You'll learn how to extend your riding season, about the best bike for the job, and more! Already well-versed in winter cycling? Come share your experience!

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Wednesday, Dec. 15 | 7:00pm-8:30pm | Rochester Brainery via Zoom

Ever wonder who's responsible for designing some of your favorite buildings in Rochester? Wonder no more! This class will provide an introduction to the many local architects and designs that have shaped the city we all know and love today. There will be a special focus on groundbreaking architects who pushed the boundaries of traditional design. Expect lots of eye candy visuals, fun facts, and maybe even a bit of historical gossip!