The Navigation Esplanade was recently awarded the prestigious designation of best Urban Open Space at the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) Development of Distinction Award Ceremony.

Navigation_Esplanade from Urban Land Institute on Vimeo.

“The Navigation Esplanade exemplifies what a community can achieve when it works together. A weekly farmers market in a food desert, and support of local artists through commissioned work are just two ways the Esplanade connects the community through its thoughtful programming and design. The judges appreciated the development team’s attention to community concerns while still designing with the future in mind.”

The Navigation Esplanade, a project completed by the Greater East End Management District (GEEMD) and operated by the East End Foundation was completed in 2013.

“The Navigation Esplanade is a direct result of the Greater East End Management District working with the local community. They wanted that space to be something that reflected this community” says Diane Schenke, President of the GEEMD.

Diane Barber, Managing Director of the East End Foundation says “I think it’s very important for the residents of the East End to know that this is their space.”

The Navigation Esplanade hosts more than 12 major events per year as well as a weekly Street Market from 10am to 2pm every Sunday.