Michael Smith is a long-time Strong Towns member who joins this episode of The Bottom-Up Revolution podcast along with his colleague, architect Aaron Holverson. Together they work at Studio GWA, a planning and architecture firm based in Rockford. In this conversation, we discuss a historic revitalization project in a core neighborhood of Rockford, the challenges that come with a project like this, and also why the street and surrounding blocks matter to the success of a place like this. It’s a great lesson in what it takes to bring an old building back to life—certainly not a piece of cake—but also a lesson in what can happen when a community has a place to feel proud of.
Additional Show NotesStudio GWA website
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Spreading the Strong Towns Message Locally
Getting Ideas for Making Your Neighborhood Stronger
Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit
Boosting Historic Business Districts with Gamification
Starting a Bike Advocacy Group
Providing Healthy Food in Our Urban Neighborhoods
Crowdfunding Your Ideas
Documenting Your City
Innovating in Local Government
Starting a Neighborhood Association
Loving Where You Live
Running for City Council
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