What are CNU Legacy Projects?
Each year, in conjunction with its annual Congress, CNU invites municipalities and neighborhood organizations within the Congress's host region to apply for pro-bono technical assistance from leading urban design firms. Through public engagement and collaboration, CNU’s Legacy Projects strive to demonstrate the power of great urban design beyond the boundaries of each selected community, and targeted communities experience both short-term progress and long-lasting momentum
Interested in hosting a Legacy Project at CNU 33.New England at Providence?
Who Should Apply: Municipalities, community non-profits, neighborhood organizations, or other parties in the region can apply. The lead project entity should be a local government or a group that has support from the local government. Expectations: Selected community partners will participate in organizing calls, take a lead role in local outreach, work closely with CNU to make decisions on the project, form a local steering committee, and cover direct costs and logistics of on-site meetings. Selected partners will also follow through with continued support to implement the plan’s recommendations.
Local Match: Professional services of a Legacy Project are valued at $100,000 - $125,000 in donated time and work. Each selected organization or community is expected to contribute up to $7500 for direct travel expenses of the firms and to demonstrate the capacity to implement the recommendations. Assistance with funding may be available from the Local Host Committee. Any combination of municipal, foundation, corporate, or individual sponsorship can be the source of the funds.
Selection and Criteria: Letters of interest will be evaluated by a panel of CNU staff and Local Host Committee members. The panel will consider the nature of the proposed project (applicable solutions to other local issues; serves underrepresented communities; creates opportunities for widespread benefits; suitable for a design workshop format), and the capacity of the lead organization (includes a project champion who is able to organize and advance the project; shows intent to provide logistical assistance). Communities that meet these criteria may be invited to provide further details. Up to three (3) Legacy Projects are anticipated.
To express interest in hosting a Legacy Project, submit a letter of interest (3-page maximum) to Joel VanderWeele joel@unionstudioarch.com by 5pm on September 13, 2024. Please include:
- Introduction of lead project entity or organization. Identify a single point of contact.
- Summary of proposed project location, the focus of the challenge to be addressed, and a potential path towards implementation.
- Summary of the lead entity’s capacity to support the project.
Questions? Contact Joel VanderWeele joel@unionstudioarch.com