Memphis, Tenn., Dec. 7, 2023 – The organizers of the Tommy Pacello Placemaking Fellowship today announced its inaugural recipients.
Leaders from Calvary Episcopal Church (Memphis, TN); CNU + Miami; BikeWalk Provo (Provo, UT); Spring In Our Steps (Cincinnati, OH); and Uptown Reinvestment Corporation (Flint, MI) are among the organizations who will be receiving funds for placemaking projects ranging from pocket park development to new, pedestrian-centered wayfinding, to podcasts about the history of housing types, with cash awards ranging from $2,500 – $15,000.
Calvary was awarded $15,000 and will use the funds to remove the asphalt from a side parking lot so that a temporary park/gathering space can be created. This will coincide with renovations at Calvary aimed at making the building and property more welcoming and accessible.
Recipients are expected to complete their projects within one year of receiving the funds and will be asked to share their stories publicly next fall.
“It’s a gift, not only to receive a ‘Pacelloship’ for a project in our friend Tommy’s memory but to know that turning one more bad patch of downtown asphalt (our staff parking lot) into a vibrant place for people would have brought the wide, irrepressible grin we miss so much to Tommy’s face,” said the Rev. Scott Walters, rector of Calvary Episcopal Church.
The “Pacelloship” was established last year in Tommy’s memory to support design projects, public realm improvements, or other activities that celebrate his approach to catalytic placemaking and city building. Donors contributed more than $56,000 to the fund, attracting more than 40 applicants nationwide. A committee of Tommy’s family members, friends, and colleagues chose this year’s recipients. ioby.org served as the fiscal agent and custodian of the funds.
For more information on Tommy’s life and legacy, please visit TommyPacello.com.