Build a Better Block and They Will Come

Better Block, a pop-up urban design exhibit from Texas, comes to Florida for the first time today. FAU School of Urban & Regional Planning and landscape architect firm Cadence have teamed up to transform the empty spaces of FAT Village into a walkable and sustainable community for just one day...

By Andrea Richard

June 14, 2012

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Better Block, a pop-up urban design exhibit from Texas, comes to Florida for the first time today. FAU School of Urban & Regional Planning and landscape architect firm Cadence have teamed up to transform the empty spaces of FAT Village into a walkable and sustainable community for just one day. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the exhibit will showcase to the city how the block could be revived as a neighborhood for residents to converge, live, and grow together. Better Block is about inspiring citizens to transform their city spaces by redesigning them to be human-friendly instead of car-friendly. The block will include pop-up storefronts, cafes, and bars. A community vegetable garden and a dog park complete with benches will spruce up the gritty landscape. Live music will go down, DJs will spin in the lounge area, and food trucks and vendors will abound. A corner coffee shop will not only serve java juice but will also function as an information hub. Swing by during the event and ask the baristas for a rundown of what is happening for the day. Better Block will take place in the 500 block of NW First Avenue between NW Fifth Street and NW Sixth Street in Fort Lauderdale. Dogs are welcome, and the event is free. Call 954-816-6310, or visit facebook.com/BetterBlockFtL. Afterward, head over to the New Times County Grind Live event at Green Room.
Sat., June 16, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 2012

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