The American Planning Association (APA) today named the Wynwood Arts District in Miami, Florida, as one of four Great Neighborhoods on the organization’s annual Great Places in America list.
As part of National Community Planning Month, APA’s Great Places in America program recognizes streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces in the United States demonstrating exceptional character, quality, and planning—attributes that enrich communities, facilitate economic growth, and inspire others around the country. The Great Neighborhoods, Great Streets, and Great Public Spaces of 2015 are places that are unique and exemplary in their amenities and infrastructure, cultural identity, and use of sustainable and innovative practices.
“The neighborhoods on this year’s list are a testament to the critical role of planning in creating more dynamic, integrated, economically healthy communities,” said Carol Rhea, FAICP, president of APA. “Through careful thought, foresight, innovation, and cooperation, this year’s designees are building better places to live, work, play, and visit and setting an example for other neighborhoods nationwide. We congratulate them on their efforts and this worthy distinction.”
Since launching the Great Places in America program in 2007, APA has recognized 245 neighborhoods, streets, and public spaces around the country. Places are selected annually and represent the gold standard in terms of having a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement, and a vision for the future.
For the second year in a row, members of the public will have the opportunity to suggest an additional favorite public space, neighborhood, or street to earn a “People’s Choice” designation using the hashtag #greatplaces. During the first half of October, individuals can offer suggestions via APA’s social media channels. APA will then select five finalists, after which the public can visit APA’s website to vote for a favorite. APA will announce the “People’s Choice” winner in early November 2015 and promote the winner on the APA website and through social media outlets, as well as host a local celebration.
Wynwood Arts District (Miami, Florida)
Miami’s Wynwood Arts District, located just north of downtown, features over 70 galleries, museums, restaurants, boutiques, and the Wynwood Walls, one of the world’s largest outdoor street art installations. Wynwood, once an economically thriving garment district, fell into neglect in the late 1970s and 1980s, forcing manufacturers out of the area. To address the decline, Miami worked to invite reinvestment into the area employing zoning incentives, marketing, and beautification strategies to make it easier for enterprises to operate and grow. By the late 1990s and 2000s, artists and collectors began purchasing some of Wynwood’s old factories and industrial buildings and converting them to studios and galleries, restaurants and bars, and creative office spaces, which served to reenergize the community and reestablish Wynwood as Miami’s creative and artistic center. Events such as the Second Saturday Art Walk in the District and Art Basel Fair brought renewed interest in the area from around Miami as a popular nightlife scene. Recently, the district has also installed bike share stations throughout the neighborhood and added parks to improve the area’s walkability and bike access. To learn more, click here.