BIO

I am a senior from Tallahassee, Florida studying International Affairs. I have found my interests in foreign matters to be complimented by studying urban planning, the topic of my research. I have been fortunate enough to research my own neighborhood as part of my internship with the DeVoe L. Moore Center. After graduation, I hope to work in a setting where I will forecast geopolitical trends.

Creating a Sense of Place in Midtown Tallahassee, Florida

Abstract

American cities are struggling with a public health crisis that includes the negative consequences of a sedentary lifestyle and depression due to feelings of isolation. Planners are looking towards urban design strategies to create a sense of place, increase physical activity, and connect individuals to their communities. Planners in Tallahassee, Florida produced the 2011 Midtown Action Plan in an effort to explore how this sense of place could be developed in the Midtown area. An examination of the plan’s approach by reviewing government documents, and interviewing business owners is included. This study explores the creation of a sense of place by assessing pedestrian infrastructure, features of the built environment, the presence of mixed-use zoning, demographic composition, and feelings of community. Preliminary results reveal that an immediate resident population and pedestrian activity are the primary catalysts in the creation of a sense of place. Observations reveal that some efforts have been made, yet they are piecemeal in nature. Interviews with influential business owners exhibit common beliefs that Midtown’s pedestrian infrastructure is insufficient. Accordingly, interviewees expressed disdain—unprompted—with Midtown’s pedestrian infrastructure. This ongoing study suggests that residents define their neighborhood boundary differently than what is found in government plans. This begs the question, “Does a strong sense of place amongst local residents translate to a high level of place attachment but a low level of resource dependence?” In conclusion, this study recommends the construction of immediate housing.

Keywords: urban planning, pedestrian, walkability, housing, government