Here Comes the Neighborhood

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NEIGHBORHOODS AREN’T DEAD. We don’t care what you’ve read or what you’ve heard. People like to complain about how times have changed and about the loss of neighborly customs. But our neighborhoods never died. Too many of us just stopped caring about them – even here in the Chippewa Valley.

In most cases, our neighborhoods are just … broken. We neglected them so they stopped working. But the need for a good neighborhood – and for good neighbors – is always here. And it’s time we made a serious decision to fill that need.
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EDITORS
Nick Meyer, Tom Giffey, Eric Christenson, Thom Fountain

DESIGN
Serena Wagner, Janae Breunig

PHOTOS
Andrea Paulseth, Nick Meyer

WRITERS
Lisa DeFelice, Caleb Gerdes, Jeremy Gragert, Jay Walljasper, Trevor Kupfer, Thom Fountain, Tom Giffey, Mike Paulus, Eric Christenson


Do you think neighborhoods are failing?

“Things were so different. You don’t see the gathering outside like you used to. You don’t see anybody out playing now.”

Diane Bell, Altoona resident and neighbor

How well do you know your neighborhood?

Can you believe it?
Some people don't know the name of their neighborhood!

Eau Claire Neighborhood Map

What makes a neighborhood great?

“Houses are sticks and stones, and you can build a house anywhere. But it takes a little special feel to make it be a neighborhood.”

Jim Rooney, CEO and president, Heartland contractors

Are you a good neighbor?

Which of these things do you do?

37% — The share of Eau Claire residents who talk or visit with neighbors at least a few times a week. LET'S DO BETTER!


Should you stop waiting around?

96% — The share of Eau Claire residents who provided help to a friend or neighbor in the past year. Let's keep it going!


Hey … got 18 minutes and 11 seconds to spare?

The staff of Volume One LOVES this video because
it's inspiring as all get out.

Jason Roberts: How To Build a Better Block

Opposite to the 'top down' concept of urban design is BETTER BLOCK, founded in Dallas' Oak Cliff by Jason Roberts and Andrew Howard. The Better Block project is a demonstration tool that temporarily re-visions an area to show the potential to create a walkable, vibrant, neighborhood center. The idea has quickly spread to cities like Memphis, St. Louis, New York, and Boston.

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