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Greater Northside Management District (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Improved wayfinding
└ Improved wayfinding
Organizers with the Greater Northside Management District wanted to help pedestrians reach local businesses and other neighborhood amenities. They also hoped to increase public safety, support public art and create a sense of neighborhood identity. To do this, the District installed signs in five neighborhoods. The large-scale signs can display multiple pieces of information at once, including directions and distances to businesses, public safety statistics, the location of neighborhood amenities and how to catch a bus or check out a bike from the local bike share. Additionally, they can showcase artworks, with local schools encouraged to submit student work for exhibit. The signposts also have a placemaking element -- each displays the name of the neighborhood in large, metal letters. By creating a sense of place and helping visitors navigate, project organizers say the wayfinding effort will support economic development on Houston's Northside.
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See More Projects Like This One
Carlin, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Improved wayfinding
Description: Carlin -- one of the oldest communities in Elko County -- has suffered economically with the decline of the Southern Pacific Railroad. To preserve its history and attract tourists to town, the Carlin Historical Society installed wayfinding signs promoting its local history museum. The signs sit on two streets in the center of town, as well as at an offramp from Interstate 80. Installation of the signs comes after years of investment into the museum building itself, including repairs to bring the structure up to code and installation of two new museum exhibits.
Sheboygan, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Improved wayfinding
Description: The City of Sheboygan augmented its downtown historical walking tour by creating a mobile app to teach residents and tourists about the city's heritage. The app was based on StriveOn, a platform designed to tell stories about local places. Additionally, the City installed signs and created printed paper maps for people who don't use smartphones or computers. The effort involved local businesses -- and their unique buildings -- in the tour. Project organizers hope the walking tour gets people interested in historical preservation and increases opportunities for physical activity.
Greendale, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Improved wayfinding
Description: After gathering feedback from focus groups with residents, the Greendale Health Department installed directional signs and benches along the village's walking trails. A number of local organizations participated, including the Girls Scouts and students from the local school district. With help from the Greendale Women's Club, they also created and distributed maps of the trails. Project organizers say the effort allowed for community engagement and the new benches, signs and map help residents and visitors better utilize the community's trails.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Houston, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: To increase walkability and create a safe, beautiful gathering space, Avenue CDC engaged a local artist, local schoolchildren and residents to create a 600-foot mural. The wall selected for the artwork was off-putting and had been vandalized many times. But the site also acted as the entry point to the Northline neighborhood, since the wall faces the nearby light rail station. The mural's design pays homage to local Latino culture and the history of the neighborhood. As the mural reached its completion, Hurricane Harvey hit Houston and project organizers were able to repurpose leftover grant funds to help with recovery and rebuilding.
Houston, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Digital Connectivity Disaster Response
Description: Wesley Community Center addressed a critical gap in disaster preparedness for older adults who lacked reliable access to technology, power and digital skills during emergencies. Power outages and limited connectivity made it harder to communicate, find information and complete essential tasks. The project created a computer lab for older adults and delivered hands-on workshops that built digital skills alongside disaster readiness. The program included how to save documents, access assistance and use devices during outages. Wesley also installed permanent charging infrastructure, including solar-powered and indoor charging stations. One participant said the charger would be especially helpful "during emergencies, power outages or situations where access to electricity is limited," strengthening confidence and reinforcing Wesley's role as a trusted disaster resource.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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