In June of 2022, working under a USDA NIFA grant funded project through CEDIK, UK faculty Dan Kahl and instructor Ryan Sandwick brought seven students to Chattanooga, Tennessee to engage on a neighborhood improvement planning project. Working with community partners, the team created a Public Realm Master Plan for the Orchard Knob neighborhood in Chattanooga. This master plan was based on established neighborhood priorities, and is the product of two intense weeks of student work.  The drafted plans were shared by the students in a presentation with our local partners in June including the Orchard Knob neighborhood association acting chairperson and members, Council members, the Chattanooga Design Studio, Parkridge Hospital, and the Lyndhurst Foundation. A completed written plan was submitted in August. 

Issues identified for action included improved neighborhood signage, improved safety initiatives including crosswalks and lighting, and improving a sense of place identity and pride. The students worked to weave these priorities into plans for neighborhood action.  As a result of the ideas shared, the Lyndhurst Foundation has agreed to support the installation of the neighborhood signage the students designed through a $35,000 grant. Additionally, the neighborhood association received a $15,000 placemaking grant to install other elements that were introduced in our student work. Further, Parkridge Hospital is on the verge of funding the recommendations made for their properties. Overall, there is a strong potential that nearly $90,000 in local funding will result from this plan and our two weeks there.