?!POSSIBILITY POTLUCKa neighborly meal in an empty storefront
Exploring a Vibrant Lawrence Corridor
August 2013
“A community is the mental and spiritual condition of knowing
that the place is shared, and that the people who share the place
define and limit the possibilities of each other's lives.”
WENDELL BERRY
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Possibility Potlucks are neighborly meals in empty storefronts that set
the table for connections between people, places, & possibilities.
These dinners were started in 2012 by the League of Awesome Possibilities as a more
human way to explore urban vacancy. Guests include neighbors, friends, local business
owners, property owners, community leaders, activists, and designers.
We believe that activating spaces with the of creative conversation, new connections, and
community centered ideas can jumpstart a transformation from vacancy to vibrancy.
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This summer’s main potluck was co-hosted by the Ravenswood Community Council and The
League of Awesome Possibilities.
It took place along the Lawrence Corridor in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago.
Slated for exciting investment over the next three years, we explored what it meant to
start activating Lawrence today. We asked:
What do we love about & hope for this neighborhood?
What are our neighbors needs & wants?
How can we promote the conditions for small businesses and local character to
thrive?
We worked with to capture
neighborhood ideas and translate into
usable data.
Special thanks to Dan and Tom from Neighborland for
their awesome ongoing support.
onlinewww.neighborland.com/ravenswood
mobile 773-828-4004
Neighborland
During the first weekend of August 2013, we spent the weekend
transforming three storefonts on Lawrence Avenue at Hermitage.
This exercise in placemaking transformed people’s perceptions of the persistently
vacant corner.
We did a graphic facelift of the facade – inviting people to pause & interact. We created a parklet for people to gather,
captured interactions with 200+ pedestrians and we hosted a possibility
potluck with 100+ neighbors & friends.
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A volunteer boardcaptured the
placemaking & potluck
projects & needs
Neighbors pitched in with core Ravenswood
Community Council and Awesome League of
Possibilities volunteers to transform the space.
Special thanks to Adam, Danielle, Cecilia, Charles, Jared, Emily, Marco, Jenny, Ray,
Lizzie, Cindy, Susan, Alex, Nishi, Max, Jess, & many others.
Texture & color helped fill once empty
storefronts, giving a hint at what they
could be.
Special thanks for Haiser Design for the cut vinyl
installation, Jenny Beorkrem for the neighborhood map &
design assistance, SSA #31 for signage funding, and Melanie Kahl for design.
A forgotten lawn was replaced with bright
colors and light, creating a place for
people to gather.
Special thanks to Patch Landscaping for the parklet, flower lending, and
chalkboard installation. And to the neighborhood children
who helped decorate the space with pictures of their
community.
?!POSSIBILITY POTLUCKa neighborly meal in an empty storefront
Exploring a Vibrant Lawrence Corridor
August 2013
The Potluck on Sunday August 4th, had over 100+
guests stop by for conversation, connection, and the exchange of ideas.
Upon entering, you could grab a passport that acted as a guide for the
evening, circulating folks from the gallery to neighborland installation,
community cork board to madlib station.
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MEET A SMALL BUSINESSLearn more about what fuels our shops, studios, and local economy. #localfaves
WANDER AROUNDThere’s so much to love around here. Where do you love to wander? #walkyourcity
SHARE YOUR STORYWe’re collecting faces and stories of our neighborhood. #madlib
GIVE A FRESH IDEAWhat do you want to see in the neighborhood? Share your needs, dreams, ideas! #neighborland
GREET YOUR NEIGHBORSFrom block clubs to block parties, learn how people build stronger blocks. #hineighbor
APPRECIATE LOCAL DESIGNArt and design fills Ravenswood. Learn more about our creative culture & see art!#printlocal #neighborly #chidesign
Your Passport
Civic Designs
Delicious Design League
Draplin Design Co
Dylan Allread
GIGART
Heads of State
Joe Mills
Kelly Pratt
Kevin Lucius
Little Canoe
Matte Stephens
Ork Posters
Orange Beautiful
Ryan Kapp
Starshaped Press
Steve Shanabruch
Studio Chris
A gallery of placeChicago in print
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Jenny Beorkrem Steve ShanabruchCurator Collaborator
Jenny Beorkrem
A gallery of placeChicago in print
A gallery of placeChildren’s drawings of Chicago
Begyle Brewing Company
Brew Camp!
Cafe Selmarie
Casa Dolce
Jo Snow
Spacca Napoli
Troquet
&
Neighbors & Friends
Pottery from
Lillstreet Art Center
Succulents from
Alapash Home
Potluck PartnersFood & Drinks
INTERIORS
Design Within Reach
Friends at Cannon Design
The Griffin Company
Interface
Morlen Sinoway Atelier
The Rüder Group
Shaw Contract Group
SUPPLIES & PLACE
C. Bachmann & Associates
Crafty Beaver
Ravenswood Event Center
Patch Landscaping
SSA #31
Haiser Design
LillBug Design
Potluck PartnersDesign & Place
A Possibility Potluck is a start to a larger conversation.
How do we measure success? We capture the numbers, ideas, & insights, but also measure in
creative collaborations, new connections, & continued
activation.
We will continue share insights www.awesomeleague.org
www.ravenswoodcommunity.org
Share your ideasneighborland.com/ravenswood
Keep in touch:Melanie:
Charlie: [email protected]
What next?Open to possibilities