

Assembled by: Little Things Lab
Assembled by: Little Things Lab
Sewanee residents, students, faculty, staff and local business owners – in partnership with The University of the South’s Office of Economic Development and other local organizations – are committed to making downtown Sewanee even more delightful by determining how the Village can benefit from public art, pedestrian safety, branding, connectivity, and additional beautification. We need your help.
The University’s Office of Economic Development has begun to bring over a decade of planning to life. Acknowledging the strategic importance of the Village’s location, the University has embarked on a series of investment projects intended to enhance the area, increase residency options for employees, and establish new retail and hospitality offerings for all to enjoy. To complement these investments, Sewanee residents, employees, business owners, and students came together to form a working Downtown Advisory Group, each participating in a series of workshops to create a list of meaningful and impactful placemaking projects that can begin with very reasonable funding and manageable effort.
Contact William Shealy (931.598.3397, woshealy@sewanee.edu) if you would like to fund, partner, or support any of these important projects.
Placemaking is a collaborative approach to improving public spaces by reimagining and reinventing them to strengthen connections between people and the places they share. It involves planning, designing, and testing to promote community health, happiness, and well-being.
Key aspects of placemaking include:
1. Community-driven process
2. Focus on creating quality public spaces
3. Emphasis on local identity and culture
4. Encouragement of social interaction
5. Promotion of economic development
This guide is a summary of placemaking projects identified by the Downtown Advisory Group intended to create a deeper and more delightful sense of place. Included in this how-to guide, you will find targeted recommendations for community action complete with detailed instructions and itemization of all the necessary tools, materials, and collaborators.
Each project includes:
PROJECT TITLE:
The name of the project
PLACEMAKING OBJECTIVES:
The yellow boxes to the right of each project title correlates with the placemaking objectives listed in “What is Placemaking”?
DIRECTIONS:
An outline of the general steps needed to complete the project
MATERIALS:
List of items needed to complete the project
TOOLS:
Equipment required to complete the installation
TIME:
Estimated project timeline from start to finish
COST:
Approximate budget to complete the project
Identified community members or organizations who volunteered their time to work together to complete the project. If there is a name with “champion” in parentheses this means this person has volunteered to lead the project. This list is a work in progress and there is still time for you to get involved
Pages 40-45 contain additional concepts from the Downtown Advisory Group that are not yet fully developed, but offer significant potential for future placemaking projects. If you would like to help define, design, fund, and/or implement any of these concepts, please contact William Shealy
1. Site identified next to Sewanee Realty, discuss with landscape architect what is possible
2. Obtain necessary permits and approvals
3. Develop a detailed plan for the pocket park, including layout, features (e.g., seating areas, planters, pathways), and a list of required materials
4. Recruit volunteers and assign specific tasks and responsibilities
5. Create a schedule and timeline for the weekend project
Site Preparation
1. Clear the site of any debris and invasive vegetation
2. Level the ground as needed
3. Install hardscape features (pathways, seating areas, etc.)
Installation
1. Plant trees, shrubs, flowers, etc and spread mulch
2. Install seating, signage or markers to identify plants
3. Develop a maintenance plan
4. Consider organizing a dedication ceremony or event to celebrate the new pocket park
Community-driven process; focus on creating quality public spaces; emphasis on local identity, arts, and culture; encouragement of social interaction
Top soil, mulch, plants/trees, hardscaping materials (paver’s, bricks, stones) as needed, picnic tables, benches, hammock hooks, trash receptacles, signage/markers, refreshments and snacks for volunteers
Shovel, rake, hoes, pruners, wheel barrow, safety equipment
A series of weekends, with proper planning and community support. First weekend is a volunteer clean-up day, second weekend is for clean up and site prep; third weekend is construction
COST
$20,000-$50,000
John Brewster (Champion), Lynn Stubblefield, Ed Hawkins, Dan Pate
Focus on creating quality public spaces; emphasis on local identity, arts, and culture; encouragement of social interaction
1. Identify potential site
2. Site permission granted
3. Identify organizational partners
4. Work with the University on a contract with a boulder play company (i.e. ID Sculptures)
5. Review landscaping around install site. Are there any upgrades needed?
6. Install
7. Celebrate! Gather the community to celebrate the new functional public art in downtown
Consider a ground covering with edging that is conducive to playing (i.e. mulch/gravel)
TOOLS
Garden tools needed to prep site for installation
TIME
3-4 months to install
COST
$40,000-$50,000
Dan Pate (Champion)
1. Identify a suitable location for the garden and obtain necessary permits and approvals
2. Develop a layout and design for the garden, including individual plots, pathways, and common areas
3. Establish guidelines for the community garden (plot assignments, maintenance responsibilities, etc.)
4. Clear the site (determine what to do with big silver maple tree)
5. Level the terrain - There is a heavy downgrade going down past LUNCH and the side of the Legion
6. Construct fencing
7. Plot out framework of borders, garden beds, tool shed
8. Establish a water source
9. Recruit volunteers and promote the project within the community
10. Assign individual plots or sections to interested community members
11. Construct raised beds
Community-driven process; focus on creating quality public spaces; encouragement of social interaction
12. Plant trees and shrubs
13. Plant annuals in raised beds (flowers, veggies, soft herbs)
14. Establish a schedule for regular maintenance
15. Organize work days or volunteer events
Topsoil/compost, mulch (wood chips, straw, leaves) for pathways and around plants, raised bed materials (untreated wood 6”x6”s, bricks, rocks, etc.) - use cedar if available, plant seeds/seedlings (vegetables, herbs, flowers, shrubs, trees)
Gardening soil mix for raised beds, organic fertilizers (compost, manure, etc.), irrigation supplies (hoses, soaker hoses, timers, watering cans, etc.), fencing for perimeter, storage shed or container for tools,
Lumber for building trellises, benches, or other structures (hutch for tools), gravel or paver’s for pathways, rain barrels for water collection
Digging tools: shovels, spades, hoes,
Hand tools: hoes and hand cultivators, hand shovels, rakes (leaf and soil rakes), garden hoses and nozzles, pruners and loppers, wheelbarrows, gorilla carts, garden gloves, watering cans, dibbers or trowels for planting
Garden forks for turning soil, hammers, saws, and basic construction tools (leveler, framing square), screws, nails, framing angles, 2x2 wood posts for stabilizing raised beds.
TIME
Planning and prepping will take one weekend. Site prep will take one weekend and site build another weekend
COST
Site Build:
Fencing materials: $1,000-$3,000
Tools & equipment: $1,000-$2,000
Raised bed and border material (preference, cedar): $1,000-$1,500
Border soil amendments & raised beds soil: $1,000-$3,000
Pathways (gravel or mulch): $500-$1,000
Preference: landscaping carpet down + natural mulch
Water lines and irrigation: $500-$2,000
Seeds, seedlings, shrubs, trees: $1,000-$1,500
Storage shed or structure: $500-$2,000
Other expenses:
Signage and educational materials: $200-$500 (Brochures, plant tags, etc.)
Ongoing maintenance and supplies: $500-$1,500 (annually)
Trapp Tubbs (Champion), Jeremy Price, Dan Pate
1. Measure and mark the designated area for the bike lane
2. Assign tasks and responsibilities to the volunteer crew
3. Set up traffic cones to create a safe work zone and divert traffic away from the area
4. Use spray chalk or temporary paint to mark the bike lane boundaries along the designated area
5. Apply bike lane stencils at regular intervals using the paint/chalk to create clear markings
6. Install bollards or delineator posts along the bike lane to provide a physical barrier and separation from vehicle traffic, if practical
7. Place temporary signage at strategic locations to inform drivers and cyclists of the new bike lane
8. Work during low-traffic hours or have designated traffic controllers to manage vehicle flow
9. Ensure loading zone is not blocked during installation and after
Traffic cones, Rust-Oleum striping paint or any paint made for asphalt, bike lane stencils, bollards or delineator posts, temporary signage (bike lane, share the road, etc.), safety vests for crew
Focus on creating quality public spaces; emphasis on local identity, arts, and culture; promotion of economic development
Paint sprayers or applicators (for spray chalk or temporary road paint), stencils for bike lane symbols/markings, bollard installation tools (sledgehammers, mallets, augers for digging holes if needed), traffic cones, safety vests and personal protective equipment, tape measures for layout and spacing, chalk lines or string lines to mark straight edges, brooms/ brushes for cleaning surfaces before painting, signage mounting hardware, hand tools
A month to plan; a weekend to install
Bike sharrow stencil x 2; $300; Rust-Oleum paint $100 for 1 gallon; flexible delineator or ballards x 10 (more needed); $360; adhesive butyl pad 8” to adhere flexible posts to pavement; $8 each; white striping paint for sharrows/street marking; 5 gallon $215; chalk line; $15; mounting hardware; $50; total cost: estimating $2,500
Shelley MacLaren, Sara McIntyre and William Shealy (Champions), Woody’s Bicycles, MGT, Franklin County Highway Department
Landscaping:
1. Crosswalks in the downtown should be produced using branding/identity style guidelines for colors, fonts, etc.
2. Assemble a crosswalk landscaping committee
3. Identify plants native to the area
4. Source and finalize budget for recommended plants
5. Source and finalize budget for durable and long-lasting planters (concrete or steel)
6. Organize a volunteer planting day once all materials have been secured
Art:
7. Assemble a crosswalk art committee
8. Define scope and budget (How long do we want this to last? What approvals do we need? How long will this take to install?)
9. Once scope is defined, enter into a contract with a local or regional artist or create a request for proposal for designs
10. Committee can decide if they would like to paint the crosswalk (Active volunteers) or allow the artist to do majority of the work
Community-driven process; focus on creating quality public spaces; emphasis on local identity, arts, and culture; promotion of economic development
11. Make sure the street is closed down and pressure washed and dried before crosswalk painting begins
12. Pending material for crosswalk (thermoplastic or paint), installation times will vary
Note: The NACTO Urban Street Design Guide provides detailed information about design considerations for crossings
13. Celebrate! Once the crosswalk and landscaping has been installed, create a celebration at Angel Park
Landscaping:
16 CF nursery mix, 4 small trees, 12 ground covers, 4 planters
Art:
Estimating $25/square foot of material, depending on length, design, and redirection of traffic, home made stencil (or contractor stencil), paint gallons, paint supplies
Ensure all business owners are aware of this project when the road has closures for install, build consensus with business owners on best day/time
Landscaping:
Leveling form, wheel barrel, shovel, tractor to deliver planters, water jugs / watering source, tarp or drop cloth to keep area tidy, broom to clean up post install
Art:
Blower (assist with clearing the street for paint), paint roller, pressure washer, tape measure
TIME
Landscaping:
Prep time start-finish a month; landscaping- install one day
Art:
1 weekend to 1 day to install after design has been finalized; art- 1 day to prep before painting and hours after to dry
COST
Landscaping:
Soil for planters, $30 per bag
Tree, $140 per bag
Ground cover, $70 per planter
Sack crete to level, $10 per planter
Labor to level, $20 per planter
$2,500 per planter (x4) - 4 ft high and 3 ft wide concrete customized planter, $2,500 from Set In Stone
Art:
Stencil, less than $100
Acrylic asphalt paint, $110/ unit (lasts 1 month-1 year) or pigment polymer cement $3 sq ft more durable than paint or street bond pavement coating ($2 sq ft, but multiple coats are needed) and sold in 5 gallon buckets.
Lastly, thermoplastic is $15-$20 sq ft and is the most durable as is epoxy at $2.50 sq/ft
Dan Pate, John Brewster, University of the South
Community-driven process; focus on creating quality public spaces; emphasis on local identity, arts and culture; encouragement of social interaction; promotion of economic development
1. Identify intersections and determine specific safe locations for the bikes (pilot project to include intersections of Quintard Rd, Missouri Ave, Finney Lane, Alabama Ave, Reeds Lane, and Highway 56)
2. Decide on signage content and order signsPossible ideas, “Slow Down/Sewanee Cycles/Sewanee Cycles the MGT”
3. Acquire bicycles (10 discarded bikes stored at Facilities Management)
4. Identify and acquire durable decorating materials that will be colorfast and stand up to weather for 5 months (electrical tape, plastic flowers, ribbon etc.)
5. Communicate with potential volunteers/organizations for decorating the bikes-outreach to take place to see if an organization wants to “host” or “sponsor” to decorate in their branded colors
6. Decorate bicycles - either all at once in a gathering or distribute bikes for decoration and have a collection date
7. Place bikes and place signs saying “Please Slow Down. Sewanee Cycles the MGT”
8. Collect feedback
9. Collect bikes in January and pull off materials to discardreturn bikes to Facilities Management for donation
10. If successful, we can then pursue permanent creative route markers to fulfill the same functions, or host a new Sewanee Cycles “bike parade” each Fall to redecorate and reinstall the bikes for a limited stretch of time each year
Bikes - in storage at FM warehouse with John Brewster Jr., electrical tape, plastic flowers, ribbons, something colorfast and durable to wind through spokes (old jerseys)
Something to hold the bikes to posts (bungee cord or wire), posts, zip ties, plastic signs
Scissors, a truck for transporting bikes, a means of driving in stakes - mallet or auger
Bike decorating will take two to three days. Community members are suggesting that the month of August is ideal for installation.
Ahead of start of school, and ahead of college student return, making contacts and gathering volunteers, assembling material, decorating party - 4 hours, placement - 2 to 3 hours, test run - 5 months, take down & clean up - one day
Bikes - free
Decorating labor - free
Installation - pending difficulty to place posts
Zip ties
Plastic signs
Decorating materials for 10 bikes:
Electrical tape - Lichamp 10-pack of assorted colors is $21.99 + tax on Amazon - 4 packs - $100
Plastic flowers - will bond gerbera daisies $24.99 per pack on Amazon. Could get same flower shape in different colors for different organizations - little bellas (purple and pink), SAS Mountain bike team (navy and yellow) - not every bike needs flowers. Some bikes have baskets. Estimate 5 packs - $136. 20
7 foot steel fence posts - pack of 10, 2 packs$106.99 each - $233.23
Food for decorating party - $350
Shelley MacLaren (Champion), Patrick Dean of the MGT, Jeremy Price, Sara McIntyre of OESS, Robert - Woody’s Bicycles, Amy Neubauer - head coach of SAS mountain biking team, Beth Pride and Becca Loose of Little Bellas, Jon Benson - Sewanee Outing Program, Leigh Anne Couch - SAS parent, Sandy Glacet - SAS staff member, parent, bike commuter, SAS Mountain Bike Team
Community-driven process, emphasis on local identity, arts, and culture; promotion of economic development
1. Signage in the downtown should be produced using branding/identity style guidelines for colors, fonts, etc.
2. Determine which landmarks/sites should have a “marker” (consider downtown businesses and trailheads)
3. Determine which marker locations already have an active website that marker can be linked to (this is key for this project, especially in the beginning for ease of implementation)
4. Create unique QR codes for each marker location
5. Secure local artist for metal markers (angels) or secure plaques to be installed on the front of buildings
6. Determine how to place a weather-proof QR code onto the metal post markers or work with a sign company to install durable material to storefront
Metal for markers (procured by artist), QR codes to put on metal markers (need to confirm with artist what material will work)
For ground markers- simple small shovels for digging holes for metal markers, For storefront plaques- contract with a sign company for installation
TIME
3 months to develop, 1 month to fabricate, 1 day to install
Need to price markers from artist; plaques from sign company. Consider hiring a graphic designer - $3,000-$5,000
Local artist, Roberson Project - Dr. Woody Register, University, Mountain Goat Trail Alliance, SBASewanee Business Alliance
1. Murals in the downtown should be produced using branding/identity style guidelines for colors, fonts, etc.
2. Curate a mural selection committee to ensure community input in the design and selection process
3. Produce a Request For Proposal requesting local and regional muralists to submit their qualifications
4. Finalize design process, awarded muralist, design, and installation dates
5. Assemble volunteers (if needed) and resources
6. Prep the building: pressure wash and repair damaged areas as seen fit
7. Prime the building with an exterior primer
8. Volunteers ready and willing to support artist on installation days
9. Upon completion of the final design seal the mural in with a weather sealant coat
10. Landscaping: once the mural is finalized, host volunteers to plant new landscaping in the front of the mural to provide a welcoming gateway
11. Celebrate! Host a kick off event to celebrate the new mural
Primer, paint : quantity quoted by muralist, sealant, plants (for landscaping)
Community-driven process; focus on creating quality public spaces; emphasis on local identity, arts, and culture; promotion of economic development
Pressure washer, 5 gallon buckets and water source, paint sprayer: for primer and possibly sealant, rollers, brushes, paint trays, ladder and fork lift for hard to reach areas, drop cloth and wash cloths
Base on quantity of volunteers: smaller cups, plates or buckets for more paint portioning, place to store materials in between working session: ideally in Taylor’s Mercantile, gardening tools for volunteers to plant post mural installation.
1-2 months based on muralist and volunteer availability to install; advised to schedule for spring or fall– winter can be too cold for the paint to cure properly
$35,000, pending material and scope
$5,000, landscaping plan and installation
Lauren Goodpaster and others for the art selection committee, goal 7-10 members
1. Create the grant program (consider eligibility requirements, funding, project manager, and marketing support)
2. The intent of the grant program supports local businesses with off setting their overhead costs to sponsor or host events that benefit the public (i.e. grant dollars would support artists, music, and event organizers). These events must be free and accessible.
If you are a local business please consider:
3. Identify a community event or series of events that your neighbors would enjoy (e.g. yoga in the park, quartet on the patio, craw fish bowl in the parking lot, etc.)
4. Convene partners who can help make your event a success
5. Decide on a date and location
6. Develop a schedule and budget for the event
7. Get permission from property owners. Will you need a traffic controller for the event location? Security? Think about parking
8. Work with graphic artist to design flyer’s, posters, and banners at least 6 weeks before event
9. Promote your event!
Focus on creating quality public spaces; emphasis on local identity, arts, and culture; encouragement of social interaction; promotion of economic development
10. Recruit a team of volunteers to help with set-up (put out trash/recycle bins and parking signage) and clean up
11. Enjoy the day and document the event (add photographer to your budget)
12. More information about this grant program, email woshealy@sewanee.edu for more information
Trash/ recycling bins, traffic cones, event and parking signage, will vary based on event activities, promotional materials (flyer’s, posters, etc.)
TIME
Three months to plan, a month to promote, a weekend to enjoy
COST
$5,000-$10,000 total annual grant funds
William Shealy (Champion), local artists, local designers, business associations, community-based organizations, property owners, other businesses for sponsorships
Focus on creating quality public spaces; emphasis on local identity, arts, and culture; promotion of economic development
1. Organize a committee to oversee bike rack selection and installation process
2. Identify key locations for bike parking locations and total quantity
3. Determine if landscaping is needed
4. Install + celebrate MATERIALS
Shovels, concrete or quickcrete, water, sand or gravel for leveling
Wheelbarrow or wagon for concrete, wrench + bolts (as needed), water
TIME
3-6 week process
COST
$500-$1,000 per rack x 10 = $5,000-$10,000 total
1. Stepping paver’s and crosswalk design should be informed by Sewanee, TN branding effort
2. Paint sidewalk from verge to senior center
3. Remove any shrubs that block visibility at the verge
4. Lay 3-5 large stepping paver’s from sidewalk across grass verge in the direction of the community center
5. Plant a perennial garden– nothing tall– to flank either side of the paver
6. Paint crosswalk across parking lot (consult with a muralist)
Sand to level paver’s, perennial plants and mulch, paver’s, garden shears to remove any unwanted plants, shovels/ spades to remove sod, paint and primer as directed by muralist, shark grip sealant for mural installation
Paver install; trowels/shovel/spade, clippers, saw
Community-driven process; focus on creating quality public spaces; emphasis on local identity, arts, and culture
Crosswalk; rollers and brushes, traffic cones the redirect traffic around wet paint, tape or sting to mark lines from sidewalk to community center, drop cloth or tarp for wet mediums, water buckets for brushes
A weekend
Paver’s - $250
Garden consultation from professional - donated time Plants - $200-$400
Sand - $50
Mulch - $100
Paint, chalk, primer - $2,000-$3,000
Pippa Brown (Champion), mosaic and asphalt muralist, landscaper, Franklin County Highway Department
1. Signage in the downtown should be produced using branding/identity style guidelines for colors, fonts, etc.
2. Determine the locations and destinations for each sign
3. Consider who the audience is for the signs. Neighbors? Visitors?
4. Measure the distances (in miles or approximate walking time) from each sign location to the destination*
5. Design the sign layout including the directional arrows, destination names, and distance/time information. Include a QR code of the destination for users to find out more
6. Print the designs onto corrugated plastic sheets
7. Identify existing poles or posts suitable for attaching the signs. If necessary, dig post holes and install new posts
8. Attach the signs to the poles or posts using heavy-duty zip ties
9. Organize a walking or bike tour through all the signs to celebrate!
10. Gather feedback and insights from users to inform the long-term design and implementation strategy
*Destinations recommended: Civic (Memorial Cross, Green’s View); Trails/ Parks (Heritage Trail, Mountain Goat Trail/Perimeter Trail heads, Abbo’s Alley); Business District/ Downtown (restaurants, stores); School (All Saints’ Chapel, University Farm)
Community-driven process; emphasis on local identity, arts, and culture; promotion of economic development
Corrugated plastic sheets (campaign sign material), large-format printer or sign printing service (Big A Marketing), safety vests for installation, heavy-duty zip ties or other fasteners
Utility knife or scissors, tape, sharpie, measuring tape or distance tracking app
TIME
1 month
COST
$500 ($20-$30 per sign)
Lauren Goodpaster (Champion), Office of Economic Development, Big A Marketing, Roberson ProjectDr. Woody Register, Mountain Goat Trail Alliance
Emphasis on local identity, arts, and culture; focus on creating quality public spaces; promotion of economic development
1. Create the grant program (consider eligibility requirements, funding, project manager, and marketing support)
2. The intent of the grant program supports local businesses in a one to one match of funds to improve the building’s storefront
3. The storefront improvements could include exterior building upgrades that are visible from the street as well as renovations to outdoor seating or landscaping
4. The matching grant would require the tenant or owner to match grant dollars. For example, if the grant is up to $10,000, the grant recipient would also contribute $10,000 to the project
5. New signs or restoration of existing signs are eligible projects
6. Once the program is launched, more information will be shared. Please email woshealy@sewanee.edu for more information
TIME
Creating the program with a consultant will take 1-2 months
Project will take 3-4 months to design, contract, and install
$15,000-$25,000 annually
William Shealy (Champion), contractor for program development, village commercial building owners, contractors for signage, landscape, and building improvements
Emphasis on local identity, arts, and culture; Community-driven process; focus on creating quality public spaces
1. Style and color of bike racks should be informed by the branding and identity style guide
2. Curate a design selection committee to ensure community input in the design and selection process
3. Identify scope of utility boxes, specifications/ measurements
4. Committee to outline required information to be included on wraps
5. Identify printer/installer + recommended material (vinyl)
6. Produce a Request For Proposal requesting local and regional artist graphic designers to submit their qualifications
7. Work with a consultant to create a maintenance plan
8. Identify dates to rotate the artwork or uninstall based on materials and artist stipends included in the maintenance plan
9. Finalize design process, awarded artists, design, and installation dates
10. Celebrate new public art with your community
Surface cleaner, wipes or towels, measuring tape, pen and notepad to sketch dimensions, map of identified locations for utility boxes
Per installer, surface cleaner, squeegee to smooth out vinyl application
TIME
1-3 month plan, prep and review process, install in a day
$500-$1,500 for artist stipend, materials, and installation
Ed Hawkins, Lynn Stubblefield, John Brewster, Pippa Browne, Shelley MacLaren, Lauren Goodpaster, Jermey Price, Dan Pate, Harriet Runkel , Bill Elder, Ken Taylor, Kamilla Haidaienbo, Trapp Tubbs, Brooke Boswell, Natychia Redmond, Patrick Dean, Stacy Clark, Robert Benton, William Shealy, David Shipps, and Tyler Cozzie
Contact William Shealy (931.598.3397, woshealy@ sewanee.edu) if you would like to fund, partner, or support any of these important projects