Public Spaces

This intergenerational project brought together older adults and millennials to create a new public space for people of all ages.

The large concrete plaza near the Van Ness Metro Station was barren and lifeless. Calling themselves the "Van Ness Social Club," a group of residents and local organizations got together to plan some fun, which included creating an invitation that read, in part: "Get to know your neighbors at a good old fashioned social. We'll meet each other on the plaza ... and learn some dance steps ... drink tea, eat cake, play games ... and have conversations with each other." After the "plaza party," the newly acquainted neighbors were filled with ideas for future gatherings: a community potluck, a clothing swap meet, relay races, birthday parties, game nights, pizza nights, a Halloween party.