For the City Times

Incourage has received a 2016 American Planning Association of Wisconsin Award for Urban Design for its Tribune Building Project.

The award highlights an approved urban design concept for a new or redeveloped area of unusually high quality and design. It will be presented September 23 at the Association’s Wisconsin Chapter Conference in Appleton.

The Tribune Building Project was judged on the following criteria: Originality and Innovation; Value Added to the Community; Quality of the Physical Form; Relationship to the Natural Environment; and Long-term Sustainability.

The review process was completed by planners from Michigan and Minnesota. In reviewing the Tribune Building nomination, one reviewer commented, “It is a very rare occurrence, indeed, for building to actually be a physical embodiment of an ideal. It is exhilarating and humbling to see such trust and faith put into a community in this manner. The very existence of this project demonstrates a visionary approach to community engagement and design.”

The Tribune (www.tribunebuilding.org) is a physical demonstration of new cultural norms that have evolved over the past decade and the opportunity that exists to advance Incourage’s vision of a community that works well for all. Incourage worked with Concordia, the project’s lead architectural consultant to facilitate the resident-centered process and building design. With over 2,000 residents engaged to date, the Tribune’s design reflects resident priorities and capitalizes on community assets, according to Incourage CEO Kelly Ryan.

“At its core, Tribune is about putting people back at the center of community. It is an accelerator of new ideas, relationships and networks. Residents indicate greater desire to support entrepreneurial activities, local business and increased environmental awareness as a result of their participation in the Tribune process. These are important milestones toward shaping a sustainable and inclusive local economy. We’re honored that the American Planning Association recognizes the value and potential of the Tribune,” Ryan said.

Incourage was nominated for the award by Adam Tegen, City of Wisconsin Rapids Director of Planning & Economic Development. “This recognition from outside our community only further reinforces the value and excitement the Tribune Building Project has, and will continue to provide, for the Wisconsin Rapids area,” Tegen said.