ASK ME ABOUT How the company’s success in placemaking led to its second location in Oklahoma City.
WHY WAS OKLAHOMA CITY CHOSEN FOR YARD & CO.’S SECOND LOCATION? I’m originally from that part of the country, but, most importantly, it meets our growth plans for the Midwest, South, and Southwest.
WHAT TYPES OF UNDERUSED SPACES ARE MOST RIPE FOR PLACEMAKING PROJECTS AND FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? We believe all places should dream big and have robust ambitions for how they can grow, but we also believe the way to get there is to start small. We love spaces that are tucked away, slightly hidden, physically unique in some way and feel crowded with just a few dozen people. Often these places feel like outdoor rooms or comfortable backyards. Once you find the right space, you can decide what goes in it. What’s missing from your neighborhood? What do you want? Once you answer that, then do a pop-up event in the space.
WHAT ETHICAL FACTORS ARE CONSIDERED WHEN DEVELOPING UNDERUSED URBAN SPACES? Whenever possible, we create processes where residents are the leaders and the builders. This inherently makes the places and spaces feel more inclusive and better connects the outcomes to the quality of life and priorities that residents have outlined for their neighborhoods. It also creates ownership and optimism around what else can be changed by getting involved and staying involved.