The opening and dedication of Morehead Park, a ¼-mile section of the Downtown Greenway, will be held on Sunday, May 6 from 2:00–5:00 pm. This is the second in a series of features about 4 major works of public art that will be unveiled at this celebration.
Greensboro DOT and Action Greensboro hosted a drop-in public workshop to receive community input on the conceptual design of Phase 1 B/C. During the workshop, Action Greensboro also sought input on a mural art project at the planned trailhead parking site at Spring Garden Street. Step 1: Review the Primary Flight Public Art Installation Project Proposal Step 2: Review the Functional Designs Step 3: Submit Your Comments Public input period closed on March 1, but you can still access the plans online. Review the Primary Flight Public Art Installation Project Proposal Review the Functional Designs Review the Survey Results
Missed the Community Input Meeting for designs of Phases 1B and 1C? We still need your input.....
Join the Downtown Greenway for a Community Input Meeting for the design of Phases 1B and 1C, and plans for mural project at Spring Garden Trailhead Parking (Phase 1A) on Monday, February 13, 2012 from 3:30–6:30 pm at the Action Greensboro offices (317 S Elm Street - downtown, next door to Cheesecakes by Alex). Phase 1B/C runs along Bragg Street from South Eugene to East Lee/Murrow. Spring Garden Street Trailhead Parking is located at Spring Garden Street and the Edgeworth/Spring Street overpasses. The Trail Design will also be available for review at www.greensboro–nc.gov/GDOT and www.greenway.boultoncreative.com. Click here for more information.
Downtown Greenway Volunteers! We Need You! The Downtown Greenway has several volunteer opportunities coming up this spring and we need your help! Please join us for a Downtown Greenway Volunteer Training Session on Thursday, February 2, 2012. This is a great way to get involved with the Downtown Greenway and get the inside scoop about the project. Dabney Sanders, Project Manager, will give an overview of the Greenway and an update on construction progress. We will also share information about volunteering at a Greenway event, including how to staff a table and the various materials available to share with those interested in finding out more about the Downtown Greenway. Downtown Greenway Volunteer Training Session Thursday, February 2, 2012 5:15–6:15 pm, Action Greensboro, 317 South Elm Street Please respond to Laura Lorenz llorenz@actiongreensboro.org or call 387.8355.
Happy New Year from the Downtown Greenway! Click here to see the 11 things we're particularly grateful for 2011!
Downtown Greenway Campaign Hits Major Fundraising Milestone Three donations push major gifts effort over the $1.5 million mark GREENSBORO, N.C. (Dec. 12, 2011) - The Downtown Greenway is one step closer to achieving its major gifts goal of $2.5 million, thanks to three pledges totaling $1 million from Lincoln Financial Foundation, Lorillard Tobacco Company, and VF Corporation. Lincoln Financial has pledged $500,000 toward the completion of the Downtown Greenway, which is the largest single donation the major gifts effort has seen to date. "Lincoln Financial is proud to support the construction of the Downtown Greenway, which will help increase the quality of life for both residents and downtown workers," said Charles C. Cornelio, President of Retirement Plan Services for Lincoln Financial Group and the company's most senior local executive. "Not only will the project spur economic development and create jobs, but it will also act as a catalyst for connectivity in the downtown area." The Downtown Greenway is also expected to increase property values downtown and help grow the total tax value of downtown real estate, as well as make downtown more attractive to businesses. Construction of Phase 1A of the Downtown Greenway, which is slated for completion in March 2012, has created 25 local jobs. Joining Lincoln Financial in contributing is Lorillard Tobacco Company, which has pledged $250,000. "We believe that the Downtown Greenway will have many positive impacts on our community," said Murray Kessler, Chairman, President and CEO of Lorillard Tobacco Company. "As a company with a long track record of community involvement, we're happy to be able to support this project, which will provide unique benefits to Greensboro." VF Corporation has also pledged $250,000 to support the Downtown Greenway. "At VF, we actively support initiatives in the communities where our associates live and work, and we are pleased to be part of this important effort in Greensboro," said Eric Wiseman, Chairman and CEO of VF Corporation. "The Downtown Greenway will help bolster economic development efforts and continue to enrich residents' experience in our downtown area. And we are delighted that our associates at Wrangler will have the opportunity to enjoy the Downtown Greenway on daily basis." Susan Schwartz, Co-chair of the Downtown Greenway Campaign Committee said: "The generosity of Lincoln Financial, Lorillard and VF will have a long-term impact on the quality of life in Greensboro.These three donations have pushed our major gifts campaign over the $1.5 million mark, and we're now focusing on raising the final $1 million from the private sector." The total cost for the four-mile loop around downtown is estimated at $26 million. Some $15.5 million has already been raised from public and private sources: almost $8 million from the public sector and close to $7.5 from the private sector. Among the initial private-sector Downtown Greenway donors, who have contributed a total of $5.87 million, are Cone Health Foundation, The Cemala Foundation, Joseph M. Bryan Foundation, Weaver Foundation, Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation and Ellison Foundation. Public-sector funds, currently totaling nearly $8 million, have come from the City of Greensboro Street Improvement Bonds, Federal Transportation Funds and the National Endowment for the Arts. "The Downtown Greenway is a great example of how public-private partnerships can have a positive economic impact on the community," said Greensboro Mayor Robbie Perkins. "We have already begun to see a significant economic benefit from the Downtown Greenway, with local businesses citing the Greenway as a factor in choosing downtown locations." "Research shows that each $1 invested in urban green space generates $5 to $12 in private investment and positive economic impact," Schwartz said. "We expect the public impact of these corporate gifts to be multiplied many times over." The Downtown Greenway, cited in 2010 as the top goal in the Greensboro Downtown Economic Development Strategy, will serve as a hub to Greensboro's extensive trails system, connect more than a dozen neighborhoods, and will provide a place for residents to exercise, will be a venue to showcase public art. Selected as the City's signature project to celebrate its Bicentennial in 2008, the Downtown Greenway will be a resource that sets Greensboro apart as the only North Carolina city with a greenway encircling its downtown. For additional information about the Downtown Greenway and how to contribute, contact Dabney Sanders, 336.387.8353, dsanders@actiongreensboro.org. About Action Greensboro Action Greensboro is a not-for-profit organization formed in 2001 in response to the changing economy in Greensboro and the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Along with the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce and the Greensboro Economic Development Alliance, Action Greensboro is a member of the Greensboro Partnership. The Partnership was created in 2006 to increase the amount of capital investment in Greensboro and Guilford County and to help leverage the creation of high-technology, high-wage jobs through traditional economic development, programs to encourage business success and initiatives to create a vibrant community. For more on Action Greensboro and the Downtown Greenway, please visit www.actiongreensboro.org, andwww.greenway.boultoncreative.com. About the City of Greensboro The City of Greensboro works in partnership with the community to build an increased quality of life for all residents by fostering an environment where inclusion, diversity, and trust are valued. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a dedicated professional staff of 2,700 employees who maintain four core values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City of Greensboro is governed by a council-manager form of government where a mayor and eight council members act as the legislative body. For more information on the City of Greensboro, please visit us online at www.greensboro-nc.gov. About Lincoln Financial Group Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) and its affiliates. With headquarters in the Philadelphia region, the companies of Lincoln Financial Group had assets under management of $153 billion as of September 30, 2011. Through its affiliated companies, Lincoln Financial Group offers: annuities; life, group life, disability and dental insurance; 401(k) and 403(b) plans; savings plans; and comprehensive financial planning and advisory services. For more information, including a copy of our most recent SEC reports containing our balance sheets, please visitwww.LincolnFinancial.com. About Lincoln Financial Foundation The Lincoln Financial Foundation, established in 1962, is the charitable giving arm of Lincoln Financial Group. Under Lincoln Foundation guidelines, grants are made in the areas of arts, education, human services and workforce/economic development. Lincoln Financial has set aside almost $10 million of its pre-tax earnings for charitable causes that support philanthropic endeavors in the communities where its employees work. The Lincoln Foundation allocated more than $1.8 million to support nonprofits in Greensboro in 2011. Since 2006, the Lincoln Foundation has contributed more than $10 million to Greensboro-area nonprofits. About Lorillard Tobacco Company Lorillard Tobacco Company is the third largest manufacturer of cigarettes in the United States. Founded in 1760, Lorillard is the oldest continuously operating tobacco company in the U.S. Newport, Lorillard's flagship menthol-flavored premium cigarette brand, is the top selling menthol and second largest selling cigarette in the U.S. In addition to Newport, the Lorillard product line has four additional brand families marketed under the Kent, True, Maverick and Old Gold brand names. These five brands include 43 different product offerings which vary in price, taste, flavor, length and packaging. Lorillard maintains its headquarters and manufactures all of its products in Greensboro, North Carolina. About VF Corporation VF Corporation is a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel with more than 30 brands. The company's top six brands are The North Face(R), Wrangler(R), Timberland(R), Vans(R), Lee(R) and Nautica(R); other brands include 7 For All Mankind(R), Eagle Creek(R), Eastpak(R), Ella Moss(R), JanSport(R), John Varvatos(R), Kipling(R),lucy(R), Majestic(R), Napapijri(R), Red Kap(R), Reef(R), Riders(R), Splendid(R) and Smartwool(R). Media Contact: Dabney Sanders dsanders@actiongreensboro.org 336.387.8353 Downtown Greenway Campaign Hits Major Fundraising Milestone Three donations push major gifts effort over the $1.5 million mark GREENSBORO, N.C. (Dec. 12, 2011) - The Downtown Greenway is one step closer to achieving its major gifts goal of $2.5 million, thanks to three pledges totaling $1 million from Lincoln Financial Foundation, Lorillard Tobacco Company, and VF Corporation. Lincoln Financial has pledged $500,000 toward the completion of the Downtown Greenway, which is the largest single donation the major gifts effort has seen to date. "Lincoln Financial is proud to support the construction of the Downtown Greenway, which will help increase the quality of life for both residents and downtown workers," said Charles C. Cornelio, President of Retirement Plan Services for Lincoln Financial Group and the company's most senior local executive. "Not only will the project spur economic development and create jobs, but it will also act as a catalyst for connectivity in the downtown area."
Greensboro is pleased to welcome Jack Becker, Director of Forecast Public Art (Minneapolis, MN), for two speaking engagements on Public Art as Civic Catalyst. The project represents a partnership between The Public Art Endowment, The Downtown Greenway, Elsewhere, and the Weatherspoon Art Museum—an exciting collaboration of organizations working together to build public art and creative community in Greensboro. Jack Becker will discuss the complex, beneficial, and sometimes contentious role that art plays in the public realm. Becker will also discuss the ways public art and community participation contribute significantly to the identity of a city. He will broadly address the role of the more than 350 public art programs in the United States working at the federal, state, city, and county levels, as well as transit and aviation programs nationally. He will also offer reflections on the scale of budget allocations that make public art possible and beneficial. Becker is the founder and Director of Forecast Public Art, a public art generator based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Forecast is the publisher of Public Art Review (a public art magazine), the distributor of grants and commissions to the local Minneapolis/ St. Paul artist community, and a leading consultancy for building community interest and investment through a public process for public art. He will be at the Weatherspoon Art Museum Auditorium on Saturday, November 12 from 2:00–4:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public.
Susan Schwartz, Chuck Cornelio, and Trip Brown submitted a Counterpoint to the Greensboro News & Record Short Stack on October 24, 2011. Their rebuttal and reaction was printed in the November 5, 2011 News & Record. Click here to read the full piece.
NEIGHBORHOOD BENCH PROJECT The Budget: The budget for the design, fabrication, and installation of this project is $5,000. A Public Art initiative has been established to integrate art into the design and construction process of the Downtown Greenway. An artist-designed and/or fabricated bench will represent each of the 12 different neighborhoods or areas that the Greenway route travels through. The artist will be asked to work with the community and its members to capture the essence of the neighborhood’s past, present, and/or future. This will be the third neighborhood bench to be commissioned for the Greenway. It will be located on a section of the Greenway known as Phase 3A, and will sit on a triangular park at the intersection of Eugene and Smith Street and Battleground Avenue (area outlined in red below). The design and fabrication of the bench will require that the artist work with representatives from Withers and Ravenel, the civil and environmental engineering firm that has been hired as a consultant for the Greenway. The artist will also be asked to collaborate with residents from Greensboro’s Fisher Park neighborhood through a Community Meeting to incorporate concepts generated by that collaboration into the design of the bench. For more information, click here to see the full RFP.