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Friday, April 21, 2017

John Thompson: Placemaking crucial to success of Innovation District - NonDoc

Placemaking crucial to success of Innovation District - NonDoc:

Placemaking crucial to success of Innovation District

Innovation District

A report on Oklahoma City’s Innovation District released Tuesday by the Brookings Institute and Project for Public Spaces presents a doable vision the for northeast OKC effort. (Full report available here.)
The authors conclude:
Oklahoma City is poised to organize itself to be a fierce competitor in the innovation economy and to build a stronger regional economy as a result— if it has the vision and will to do so.
It also advises:
Most importantly, this entity requires a strong innovation team (or at minimum a high-level leader) that sits between institutions and can catalyze a shared vision.
The think tank declares, “Collaboration is key.”
Agreed. We must work together to address the historical challenges that have plagued the area between downtown and the OU Health Science Center as well as build on our strengths. In doing so, OKC could create neighborhood hubs that are launchpads for the 21st century.

Overcoming legacy problems through placemaking

Not surprisingly, the Brookings report identifies two longstanding problems: the “district’s car-centric physical layout and lack of gathering spaces.” It diplomatically describes the legacy of our original sin — racial segregation — and how “low-income residents of neighboring communities remain largely disconnected from employment Placemaking crucial to success of Innovation District - NonDoc: