The program focuses on the account of preserving a tract of land within the boundaries of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park from development. This is a great example of public-private efforts such as this can contribute to shaping our world. The program will focus on the process, players, partnerships and plans that are making an impact in our own backyard.
The Conservancy is a 501c3 ‘friends’ group. Our mission is simple: The Conservancy enrichespeople’s lives and enhances our region by inspiring the use, preservation and support of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. We work closely with the National Park Service and Park Superintendent, Lisa Petit.
The Project began in 2019 when the Conservancy worked diligently to save this property in the heart of our park to protect habitat as well as create a space for all to enjoy the land and Cuyahoga River. The purchase of the 213-acre property was completed in September 2021 and transferred 198 acres to the National Park Service in 2022, retaining 15 acres for Conservancy programming. During this period, the Conservancy entertained input from the National Park Service, Board of Directors, Conservancy members and the broader community to explore uses for property. This led to retaining PROS Consulting to prepare a market analysis and set the stage for planning.
In the fall of 2023, Studio Zewde, was hired to assist the Conservancy with community engagement initiatives, site analysis and a framework for development. https://www.conservancyforcvnp.org/news/current-projects/
Presenters: Phil LiBassi FAIA FACHA, Senior Principal DLR Group, Conservancy Member, Board of Directors 2016-2023 and Sara Zewde ASLA, Founding Principal Studio Zewde.
Studio Zewde is led by Founding Principal, Sara Zewde. She brings years of experience leading complex design processes across the Americas, with a design approach that works explicitly to illuminate the distinct cultural and ecological qualities of a place. Sara is Assistant Professor of Practice at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design and is the recipient of several awards, including the Hebbert Award for Contribution to the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at MIT and the Silberburg Memorial Award for Urban Design. Studio Zewde is devoted to creating enduring places where people belong. https://www.studio-zewde.com.
Phil LiBassi is a practicing architect with over 45 years of experience. Most of his career has been with DLR Group (fma Westlake Reed Leskosky and prior to that, van Dijk Pace Westlake). A Fellow in the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) and American College of Healthcare Architects (FACHA), he has been instrumental in leading a successful architectural practice and was actively involved in several award-winning commissions nationally in Healthcare, Cultural and Performing Arts, Higher Education and the Federal Government.
You can attend in person at Kent State University's CUDC or Virtually.
Credit:
1 LU CEU