The philosophy behind this project would not be possible without the efforts of the many other thinkers who inspired it. This is an incomplete list of some of my own inspirations, and I encourage anyone interested in the transformation of the human landscape to check them out. I am always keen to learn about more, particularly ideas that propose alternative philosophies about our communities, not just technical solutions or new trends.
NorthEast Investment Cooperative (NEIC)
W as among the first real estate investment groups to use a cooperative structure to localize ownership, build community involvement and trust, and to take a holistic and community-driven approach to the redevelopment and rehabilitation of buildings into more productive uses. Focused exclusively in Minneapolis, it was a major inspiration behind AR. It should be a goal of AR to bring some of that cooperative “magic” to other cities and towns lacking similar approaches.
Habitat for Humanity
Their volunteer apprenticeship program is among the first and the best. Many volunteers show up with little experience, and leave with valuable skills. It is even possible that Authentic Redevelopment will partner with HfH in the future, and it certainly provides a model for an apprentice-based educational overlay.
The Geography of Nowhere
By James Kunstler. Inspires us to do placemaking right, to put time and effort into every project, and to give our neighborhoods soul. This is more than aesthetic beauty, but rather what happens when people come together to shape the future of places that matter — rather than leaving it to developers and chain stores.