Containers are lonely

We left off with the intention of finishing more work on the units but as things go (especially since you all went directly into a new studio) this will not likely happen soon. I would like you to organize work day to take care of a few specific tasks.

We need to schedule one day during the upcoming summer break. I will come down to help. Should I set up a doodle poll? 

The worksite needs some attention. 

*Remove the palettes (apparently raconteur racoons have tried to set up camp in them!)

*Stow the insofast in the container storage.

*Return unused materials

*Return loaned tools/materials

*clean up

On a more positive note...

Even though physical changes to the containers has stopped for the time being, the work had not stopped. Here is an update. 

We have a solar sponsor who is working up systems for the two units. This is more than I imagined, real power. A most excellent company, 15lightyears. https://www.15lightyears.com/

With a team locals we have three grant applications submitted, two made it through first round of review. These all have something to do with the existence of the container projects. Here is a synopsis of them. 

Summary of grants
Aetna Healthy Communities
"Cycles and Sprouts"
A Community Based Agriculture and Bike Repair Program
Healthy Behavior, Social/Economic Factors
Citylab proposes a concept for a healthy community grant that results jn a partnership between ECFRPC (East Central Florida Regional Planning Council), OBT CRA, Kaley Square Community Center and Citylab that creates and implements youth-oriented programs hosted in the Horticulture Container design/build project. LOI accepted. Application completed. Fingers crossed. 

Robert Wood Johnson 
RAISING PLACES: BUILDING CHILD-CENTERED COMMUNITIES
Bicycle creativity program.
Citylab was invited by PlaygroundCity.org andthe Polis Institute to join in a grant application that resulted in a new partnership between organizations including Playground City and Kaley Square Community Center to utilize the Bike Shop Container design/build project as home base for a youth oriented human-centered design program with bicycles (or parts of bicycles!) LOI accepted. Application completed. Toes crossed.

Caplan Early Childhood Grant
"Grow With Me"
Citylab, working with Playgroundcity.org, creates a partnership between Orlando Science Center, Citylab, Playground City, LRNG and IFAS to invent and implement a take-home gardening program for young families (parents and toddlers) in Holden Heights. $80k request. LOI submitted. Arms crossed. 

The relationship with Fleet Farming continues to develop. 

"USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Farmers Market Promotion Program"

Even though this grant is technically only for city jurisdiction, the fleet folks have agreed to a satellite location. 
Citylab creates a relationship between Fleet Farming and Kaley Square Community Center to extend implementation of this urban farming work into Holden Heights. Garden program for horticulture container in planning.

Thank each of you. I look forward to seeing you! Peace. 

--

Stephen D. Bender, AIA
UF Citylab Orlando
bndr, llc.
352-682-4986 Mobile 
http://bndrd.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-bender-57066a5