Monday, January 28, 2013

WPi To Be Featured in Landscape Architect Magazine




We are thrilled to announce that WPi’s work on Atlanta’s Historic 4th Ward Park will be featured in  Landscape Architect's "Parks" issue this March!

The aesthetics and workmanship of the park are spectacular, but the positive impact in the community is the project’s greatest achievement. According to Atlanta City Councilmember Kwanza Hall, “This is one of those rare public projects that captured the imagination of everyone involved.  The year-long design process brought residents, stormwater engineers, and landscape architects together as equals around a common table.  Because the process respected the core values of the Old Fourth Ward—diversity, innovation, and a commitment to social justice—one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods is now home to its most forward-thinking park.

A special thanks is extended to our team members for their outstanding contributions to this award winning space: HDR, Inc., Richard Wittschiebe HandArchitect, URS, Inc., Pillar Design, Womack Lumsden & Associates ConsultingEngineers, Willmer Engineering, Bob Scott Irrigation Consultant Services, MikeClark Irrigation Design, Astra Group, Inc., Reeves Contracting Company, DavisLandscape, Valley Crest Landscape, Hannah Solar, PEQ, Artemis Studios

Keep an eye out for the publication this March, and next time you are in the 4th Ward of Atlanta, stop by the park. The space boasts flowing walkways, a city greensward, a splashpad and playground, a recirculating stream, wildflower meadows, a multi-purpose recreation field, and Atlanta's first skatepark.


Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Hilton Head Monthly Features WPi Principal


Congrats to our very own Mark Baker for the glowing write up in Hilton Head Monthly regarding his prolific work as a landscape architect and land planner.

During the interview, Mark discusses how his outdoorsy upbringing in South Georgia and early love for art inspired his career path, and still influences his work today as a shaper and steward of the land. 

As HHM journalist Maggie O'Briant discovered, "Using the earth as a canvas, Baker and his firm cultivate the best that can come from a partnership between man and nature. Understanding that they serve as a liaison between the two, they work to achieve harmony with a functional outcome." 

We couldn't agree more. Thanks to Hilton Head Monthly for including WPi in the series featuring intriguing Hilton Head locals.

To read the article in full click HERE.

Hilton Head Monthly photo by Arno Dimmling


Thursday, December 13, 2012

Lafayette Street Sidewalk and Roadway Improvements

Congrats to the Inovia Consulting Group on winning the Lafayette Street Sidewalk and Roadway Improvements project. We look forward to teaming with Inovia on this interesting project.

We will be sharing photos with you once the project is underway.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

WPi's USC Farmers Market Project Wins Green Award

"Columbia Green and the Columbia Tree & Appearance Commission awarded South Carolina Athletics a Columbia Choice Award in the Renovation/Reuse category for its development of the Farmers Market site..." Click here to read full article.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Bike Sharing is Taking Off

PRI reports on Boston's growing bike sharing business and human perks in this interesting article.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Creating Great Places! November 2012

Here's a sneak peak at November's Creating Great Places! to be published tomorrow.

Monday, October 15, 2012

DIY Urbanism

"As the economy continues to take big bites out of arts and city planning budgets, this bottom-up approach is changing the look of some cities. Are governments ready to embrace these grassroots ideas?"  Governing.com

Friday, October 5, 2012

Darla Moore desires incentives for tourism, not just manufacturing

Read a recap of Darla Moore's keynote speech at the Chamber's State of the Region Breakfast in the Island Packet.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Sustainability in Small Business Workshop

Experience Green, a local non-profit, is hosting a workshop, with special guest Dodd Galbreath, to educate small businesses on green practices benefits. Register here: October 9, 11:30am – 3:00pm

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Coligny's "Central Park"

A fully developed "Central Park" in Coligny is essential!

The open space opportunity we have a Coligny is rare. Civic leaders throughout history that have had the foresight to set aside and protect key open spaces in the middle of developed or rapidly developing land have often later been later heralded as visionaries. We have such an opportunity before us now with a 10-acre piece of undeveloped land that is very well positioned to serve as a key civic open space and destination for passive use and special events for the entire Island.

It would easy to justify placing buildings on this site or swapping pieces of to satisfy one request or the other. But, we have challenged ourselves with the difficult task of looking forward and setting a path with extraordinary outcomes. Central Park in Coligny represents one of those extraordinary opportunities. 


We must protect this open space asset and make Coligny Central Park our gift to future generations. 

Hilton Head Monthly Article

Monday, September 10, 2012

Playgrounds for Seniors

Governing.com recently published an article discussing a new trend in the states.  Playgrounds designed with low-impact exercise equipment are popping up next to child-friendly parks- exercise for everyone! 

Thursday, August 30, 2012

8 Oaks Park Brings County Additional Revenue

Georgetown Times highlights the power of economic impact projects.  Almost a half-million dollars have been deposited in Georgetown County businesses this summer thanks to ball tournaments at Eight Oaks Park!

Thursday, August 23, 2012

USC's Tailgate Facility Will be Ready for Gameday!

Looking forward to the first day of football at USC's new Tailgate Facility / Farmers Market!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Designing a Revenue Generating Space

The Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn was published this month in Savannah Weddings magazine illustrating its large oak trees and wooden pavilion. It is a popular site for island weddings and receptions.  WPi created the master plan for this beautiful open space.

Friday, August 3, 2012

T-SPLOST Failure Still Means More $$$

Most interesting article released by Georgia Public Broadcasting defining how the GA laws protect transportation funding. 

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Congratulations Georgetown!

8 Oaks Regional Park Opening Tournament 
(As Displayed on the Dixie Youth Facebook Page.)

Monday, June 25, 2012

ATL Transportation Referendum Defined

The Atlanta BeltLine posted an informative and compelling video explaining the importance of the July 31st Referendum. Check it out on their website.
Photo: Atlanta BeltLine's Historic 4th Ward Park

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Beautiful Home and Garden Tours

South Carolina's Magnolia Gardens is noted as the oldest US public garden in Budget Travel's Most Beautiful Home and Garden Tours article.

Monday, May 14, 2012

National Mall Design Competition Winners Released

The National Mall is getting a new look.  ASLA blogs about the national design competition winners released today. 

Friday, April 27, 2012

Craft Beer on the East Coast!


Just in case you missed this exciting news... New Belgium Brewing is happy to announce that Asheville, North Carolina will be the site for their east coast brewery!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

RBC Heritage Forbes Write-Up

Hilton Head Island's RBC Heritage Golf Tournament hotel receives accolades on Forbes.com.  Don't forget, the Heritage is only a few days away: April 9-15!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Constituents Lead Change in Transportation Funding Bill

Our previous post addressed critical changes to the funding of local, landscape architecture projects.  Thanks to constituents speaking out, the MAP-21 bill passed with several pedestrian- and community-friendly provisions.  This ASLA article goes addresses the specific changes to MAP-21.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Alternative Transportation... And Funding

"The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee voted on February 2 to eliminate funding for non-motorized transportation".  Read more of this interesting article on alternative transportation, Bicycles Belong, on ULI's website. 

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Tourism Stats

ThinkHiltonHeadIsland.org is the Chamber's way of sharing "everything from demographic information and labor profiles, to visitor data and Department of Commerce statistics." It's a quick and easy tool for Chamber members to get information that can help grow their businesses. Thanks Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce!

Friday, March 9, 2012

St. Patrick's Day Concert

The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina is hosting Celtic Crossroads, a band from Galway, Ireland, this Sunday and Monday as part of the island's St. Patrick's Day festivities.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Historic Mitchelville Article in BBC

Britain's BBC news wrote a fascinating article on Hilton Head Island's Historic Mitchelville.  #WPi's Mark Baker was interviewed and provided the Master Plan for Image 6 for this article.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

US Airways Magazine / Welcome to Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and the Lowcountry

December's issue of US Airways Magazine featured 2 #WPi projects: Mitchelville and the Coastal Discovery Museum, as well as many other wonderful aspects of the Lowcountry!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Creating Great Places! February 2012

The University of South Carolina's Tailgate Facility is highlighted in this month's Creating Great Places! 

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

2011 Real Estate Recap: Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island, home of  #WPi's main office for over 23 years, shows the most improved real estate market in the state according to an article in the Island Packet.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

WPi in Lake Wylie Pilot News!

#WPi is excited about its latest win-the York County Park Master Plan project!  Read the details of this new, 50-acre recreation project in this Lake Wylie Pilot article.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Everybody can be great...

"Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

HGTV Call Out for Landscape Professionals

Come on, you know you want to.  Check out ASLA's article on how to apply, here.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Historic 4th Ward Park Makes "Best of Atlanta"

Congratulations Historic 4th Ward Park on these fantastic accolades from Atlanta Magazine: "New Urban Oasis", "More than a greenspace", "Modern, funky playground and splash pad enthrall kids".  #WPi was a park design team leader on this amazing project.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Tanyard Creek Park Amphitheater Open to the Public!

The Tanyard Creek Park recently celebrated its grand opening!  WPi designed the master plan for this 32-acre Quincy, FL park.  WTXL tv reported at the grand opening, click here for link to video.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

A Celebration of Perry Wood's Life

We are saddened by the loss of  Perry Wood.  A celebration of Perry's life will be held on Wednesday, November 30th at 11:30 a.m. at Honey Horn Plantation. See Link.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Awards!

Columbia Citi Residential Community is amassing awards!  The newest on the list is the Pillar of the Industry Award for three categories: Best Affordable Apartment Community, Best Multifamily Community Site Plan, and the Multifamily Community of the Year!  Congratulations Columbia City! #WPi provided master planning services and landscape architecture construction documents for this amazing property.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Creating Great Places! November 2011

November's 'Creating Great Places!' focuses on public improvements to increase private sector profit. Click here to learn how Orangeburg, SC has redefined its city center.  Don't miss out on future editions, sign-up for WPi's monthly e-newsletter!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

ASLA's 'Interview with Bjarke Ingels'

Bjarke Ingles, an architect by training, calls his style "hedonistic sustainability.”   His use of landscape architecture principles in design is amazing. Read about his philosophy in this article and see his work on his website.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

16 Ways Hilton Head Planation is Sustainability Friendly

Hilton Head is known for its natural beauty.  Learn more about what Hilton Head Plantation does as a community to be good stewards of the natural environment and natural resources that have been entrusted to our care.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

SITES Pilot Project & Historic 4th Ward Park

Historic 4th Ward Park's Kevin Burke defines SITES as “what we design today should be able to function on its own [tomorrow]" in this nationally published ASLA article.  

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

North Myrtle Beach Park Charette

#WPi's Mark Baker shares design concepts of the North Myrtle Beach Park planning process with City Officials and the Public.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Mark Baker Interview: Honey Horn Art Exhibition

Mark Baker, Partner at #WPi, speaks to the importance of "sense of place" on Hilton Head Island and its new public art initiative launching this fall, the Honey Horn Art Exhibition.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference in HHI This Week!

"30 inspiring sessions, 50 leading industry partners, and impactful and engaging keynote presentations, the ESTC 2011 (Hilton Head Island, SC, Sept 19-21) sets the platform for ongoing dialogue promoting innovative ideas and practical solutions, driving change in global tourism."

Friday, September 16, 2011

#WPi Master Planned Pavilion Ready for Construction

Check out WPi's Bluffton Oyster Factory Park Master Plan in this Bluffton Today article: Town Beds Down Park Pavilion.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Experience Green in the Lowcountry

Experience Green, a new non-profit organization, launched in Beaufort County to educate and encourage sustainable business and living practices.  They often partner with local, green business to host educational sessions. Check out their website to learn more about upcoming opportunities to Experience Green.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Tony Hawks Skates Bluffton

Tony Hawk, world-renowned skateboarder, and his crew skated at Bluffton's Buckwalter skate park Thursday for the awe-inspired crowd.  Check out the Island Packet's Photos.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Before and After- Tomorrow at Noon

Coligny Beach Park @ Noon Tomorrow local Landscape Architects will discuss how they start from scratch to design parks, communities and downtowns.  See the Coligny Beach Park drawings for a before and after visualization!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Money Rains Down!

Rain-harvesting collection systems used to be for water conservation, but with water prices on the rise consumers are looking toward harvesting rain water to save dollar bills.  LandscapeOnline details this  revolutionary, rain-saving system.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

8.17.11- A day to Learn about LAs

Landscape Architects all over the country are educating the public about their profession on 8.17.11 during their lunch hour.  Our local volunteers will be at the Beach Access Park @ Coligny on HHI.  Follow the signs to the Landscape Architects to see what the park looked like on paper before it was built and to learn a little more about the profession.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

08.17.11

Stay tuned for more information.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Tyger River Park Preview

This 140-acre multi-use sports-park in Spartanburg, SC opens October 1!  Get a sneak-peak at the park on page 96 in the July issue of Sports Destination Magazine.  #WPi designed the park's Master Plan.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

IfUD Challenge #2

The Institute for Urban Design placed a call-to-action for NYC design ideas.  They've posted the 500+ ideas on their site and now it's your turn to turn these ponderings into smart, beautiful urban design.  All the submitted designs will be launched in an exhibit and book during Urban Design Week 2011.

Thank you ASLA for sharing this great opportunity!

Monday, July 11, 2011

National Recreation and Park Association Does Good Deed

Atlanta's Selena S. Butler Park gets facelift thanks to NRPA funding as USA Today reports.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Top 10 Bounce-Back Cities

Urban Land Institute reports on the top ten cities with the strongest recession bounce-back and what's driving their resurgence.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

WPi's Master Planned Tyger River Park On-Schedule

Tyger River Park, a 140-acre park near Reidville, SC,  is scheduled to open late September.  An article on GoUpstate.com details how the project has overcome internal obstacles to aim for an on-time grand opening just in-time for two ball championships this fall.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Cairo Wins TE Funding


The City of Cairo, Georgia was recently selected to receive $700,000 in Transportation Enhancement (TE) Funding through the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).  This was the largest amount awarded within Cairo’s Congressional District (2).  The money will be used to fund streetscape improvements in downtown Cairo on Broad Street, the town’s main thoroughfare.  This stretch of road is located in Cairo’s Historic District and has many businesses and shops lining both sides.

WPi worked with Chris Addleton, Cairo City Manager, the City of Cairo, and the public in 2008 and 2009 to create a downtown master plan.  A first phase was selected from this plan which the City used to apply for TE funding from GDOT.  WPi assisted Cairo in applying for the federal monies which are distributed through the GDOT.  Now that Cairo has been selected, they plan to involve WPi to take the vision from conceptual to construction level documentation.

The goal of the streetscape improvements is eventual economic development and a pedestrian friendly downtown which all of Cairo’s residents can enjoy.  WPi has enjoyed a great relationship with the City of Cairo and looks to a continuance of that for years to come.  


Click here to visit The Cairo Messenger's website for a full write-up.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Harbour Town Links Ranked in National Magazine

Harbour Town Golf Links ranked #4 in Celebrated Living's "Platinum List" among the top 20 national and international courses.  The article states this course "boast[s] some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world".  Congratulations Harbour Town Golf Links!  #WPi is pleased to have worked on the Sea Pines Clubhouse project for this course. 

Friday, June 10, 2011

Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park Grand Opening Celebration

Dave Malcolm of WPi will celebrate the H4W Grand Opening with the skate community this Saturday.  #WPi provided the Master Planning Services for Phase II of the H4W park.  Click here to RSVP

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Happy Birthday WPi

WPi celebrates its 23rd birthday in June's Creating Great Places
 

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Walkability.

Lately, I've read a lot of articles citing the rise in importance of people-friendly, walkable (sub)urban master plans.  In all the articles, walkability was referenced as a theory or a practice that needs to be applied for our health and happiness. I just uncovered this great article from a year ago that references a website that can calculate how walkable your house (or potential new house) is to amenities.  Quantify your house's walkability by checking out the Wall Street Journal article and the Walk Score website.

P.S. My home got a 32.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

#WPi Wins Lynn Haven Main Street Revitalization Project

“Throughout Florida there is a growing interest in improving the appearance and economic stability of historic downtown business districts. In many communities, the main street is in a serious state of decline. Effective solutions to the problems of deteriorating building stock, loss of business, and the waning economic strength of downtown are crucial to the survival of the city itself. 

The Florida Main Street Program is an integral part of the state's historic preservation program. The state program and the national model on which it is based are applicable only to communities with historic resources sufficient to create a well-defined sense of place, a tangible link with the past. The Main Street revitalization process is, then, one of rediscovery rather than recreation. The Program does not deal in marketing themes (other than an honest acknowledgement of a community's heritage) and does not engage in recreating or fabricating traditional commercial centers. Such recreation is not historic preservation.

Main Street cities hire a full-time downtown manager, establish a Main Street Board (with representatives from the public and private sectors), and develop a local program to bring about revitalization of the traditional commercial core.” The Board is responsible to choose vendors to assist in the design of a plan which can be implemented. WPi is excited to have been selected by the Lynn Haven Main Street Program as the vendor (and Landscape Architect) to provide conceptual planning services for the Florida Avenue streetscape in downtown Lynn Haven.

Visit the Florida Division of Historical Resources and the National Trust for Historic Preservation sites to read more on this important program.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

#WPi's May E-blast Released!

WPi's May issue of "Creating Great Places!" focuses on the Historic Savannah Harbor's Hutchinson Island.  Click here to learn more about the island and to see the master plan.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Does structrual design lead to obesity, diabetes and depression?

Dr. Richard Jackson, former head of the National Center for Environmental Health at the CDC, said there are “deep-rooted structural issues with the built environment that are creating epidemics of obesity, diabetes, and depression.” in this week's ASLA's The Dirt.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Snedeker Sneaks Past Everyone, Wins Heritage in Playoff

What an exciting Heritage Golf Tournament on Hilton Head Island!  The final-round leaderboard shifted 4 times Sunday afternoon to unveil what seemed like an unlikely winner at the start of the day.  If you missed the action, check out the full article here.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

United We Serve

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"  The MLK Day of Service website answers this question.  Find out where you can impact your community on April 30th at mlkday.gov.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

#WPi Releases April Edition of Creating Great Places

This month's Creating Great Places features the beauiful sports fields at Oscar Fraser Community Park in Bluffton, South Carolina.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

#ASLA Video Animates Eco Planting

Interesting animation on how to save energy (and the planet) through strategic landscaping in this short video: Designing our Future: Sustainable Landscapes.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Happy April!

Free online issue of Landscape Architecture Magazine in celebration of National Landscape Architecture Month!  Check it out!

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Park Economics: Red Fields to Green Fields

Can demolishing failed commercial properties to create parks help a struggling economy?  A billion-dollar hedge fund manager & Georgia Tech tell us in this #NRPA article.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Free Ticket to HHI's First Earth Day Celebration!

Learn new sustainability tips and tricks and about the island's new recycling program at this family friendly event at Shelter Cove.  Register online and get in for free! 

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Florida Legislation Update

Landscape architecture will not be deregulated in Florida.  Congratulations to ASLA and its advocates for this great win!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

#WPi Published in LASN Magazine

WPi's landscape planning and design work at Simpsonville's Heritage Park is featured in this six-page article (Pg 90).