Funding and Green Infrastructure | |
Ubuntu: Transforming a Community Through Green Infrastructure | |
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The South African word “ubuntu” translates to “a quality that includes essential human virtues; compassion and humility”. It is with this in mind that Environmental Design Group (EDG) collaborated with East End Neighborhood House (EENH), a non-profit service center, to reimagine and redefine a previously vacant site in the Buckeye-Woodhill neighborhood on Cleveland’s east side. What once stood as an empty car dealership is now a community gathering space that will provide opportunities for learning, performing, and coming together. But how was this achieved?
East End Neighborhood House had targeted and purchased the site several years earlier with the intention of growing their footprint. As with many things, funding stood in the way of change and the property stood untouched for some time. With the support of the St. Luke’s Foundation, EENH was finally able to move forward with its vision and engaged the services of Environmental Design Group to assist. EDG has a reputation for its ability to secure green infrastructure grants and this project seemed a perfect match for that funding source.
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Working with EENH and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, EDG provided master design services for the gathering space. The design included elements to match the spirit of the project while also meeting local and state regulations. A key component of the project’s success and timeline was securing a $100,000 green infrastructure grant.
The basic goal of green infrastructure is to capture rainwater, clean it and return it to the earth to reduce the need for treatment by cities or municipalities. In the case of Ubuntu, this was achieved using a bioretention basin. Bioretention basins require maintenance and monitoring but EDG’s team allotted time in the project to meet with EENH staff to instruct them on the process. Highlighting this design element provided the necessary component to secure the grant.
We invite you to learn more about Ubuntu, EENH and the impact this transformative project will have on the community by viewing this short video.
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Property Selection: Making an Informed Decision | |
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You’ve found a property that you want to develop and have some idea of what you want to do with it, but you’re not sure if it is feasible or even allowed at that location. Is the property large enough to fulfill your requirements? Will the city allow the use? Does the property provide all the utilities that your development will need? Is there enough space for stormwater management? These are just some of many questions that may arise as you begin planning. Where can you turn for answers?
In the constantly changing environment of federal, state, and local regulations, property development can quickly feel like an impossibility. Enlisting the services of a civil engineer who specializes in site development can help identify what may or may not be allowed on your property and will help you anticipate and limit issues that may arise during the planning process. The engineer’s role is to serve as an experienced guide to facilitate local code research, planning conceptualization, stormwater management investigation, and contact with local governing agencies to position your project for successful completion.
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The engineer presents potential project design limitations early in the process that may determine if this is the right property for your use. Core features of the project will be highlighted through the creation of conceptual layouts to help avoid common pitfalls such as: ingress/egress restrictions, allowable signage, safe and efficient traffic circulation, adequate parking and required utility access. These items should be noted and discussed early in the project to prevent issues that can later impede progress, stall the development schedule, increase costs, and ultimately shut down a project.
Preparation and a clear understanding of the possible hurdles that may arise during the development process will save you time, money, and a lot of stress. When you find that “perfect” property and are ready to move forward, it is best to engage the services of an experienced site development engineer to help complete your vision.
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EDG News & Upcoming Events: | |
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Join Us at OTEC! EDG will be attending the 2023 Ohio Transportation Engineering Conference being held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, October 17 – 18. Plan to join us at our Hospitality Suite at the Hyatt Regency (2nd Floor) on October 17th from 5pm – 8pm. Hope to see you there!
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EDG will be a featured exhibitor at this year’s ARVC Outdoor Hospitality Conference being held November 6-9 in Kansas City, MO. More info: OHCE2023 | ARVC
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Make plans to attend an encore presentation of EDG Creative’s seminar titled “The Ripple Effect: Branding’s Influence on Community & Economic Development” that will take place at the Doubletree by Hilton in Newark, OH on November 16th from 11:30am – 1:30pm (includes lunch). To learn more and to register, contact Marketing Manager, Laura Hengle, at lhengle@envdesigngroup.com. For more information on EDG Creative’s services visit: Marketing, Communication, Engagement, Creative Design | EDG Creative (envdesigngroup.com)
- EDG Principal, Tammi Nagucki and Project Pursuit Manager, Jenny Lovano attended Zweig Group’s 2023 ElevateAEC Conference and Awards Gala in Frisco, TX, September 13-15. They accepted awards for Marketing Excellence: Project Pursuit, Excellence in Client Experience, and 2023 Best Firms to Work For.
- Congratulations to the EDG team members recognized by Engage! Cleveland at its second annual Generation NEXT Awards. EDG’s Blue Lobster Leadership Training program was the recipient of the Program of the Year award.
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To learn more about Environmental Design Group,
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