2014 Neighborhood of the Year

Hawthorne Center – Indianapolis, Indiana wins the 2014 Neighborhood of the Year Grand Prize

Hawthorne Center – Indianapolis, Indiana has been selected as the Grand Prize Winner for the 2014 Neighborhood of the Year Award. Near West Collaborative is the community-organizing arm of four neighborhoods. One of their largest objectives was a clean-up that hosted 400 volunteers and 200 residents. Their effort, which is a part of the Great Indy Clean-Up, provided four neighborhoods in and around the Hawthorne Center the opportunity to clean up 15 tons of trash, paint fire hydrants and plant 50 trees.

Each year since 1984, the Board of Directors of Neighborhoods, USA (NUSA) recognizes the commitment and work of neighborhoods in awarding the “Neighborhood of the Year” in multiple categories. A Grand Prize winner is then selected from the winner from each category. The 2014 award winners are: 

Physical Revitalization – Single Neighborhood

First Place

We Mean Green Neighborhood Peace Garden

South Shore Neighborhood
Chicago, Illinois

A positive loitering campaign initiated by residents of Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood is bringing peace and civility to a blighted intersection through a very positive outdoor activity. The We Mean Green Neighborhood Peace Garden and The Hospitality Garden are creating a peaceful, artful incentive to revitalizing a once-vibrant street.

Third Place

Lowden Tunnel Mural

South Hemphill Heights
Fort Worth, Texas

South Hemphill Heights initiated the Lowden Tunnel Mural project in April 2013. The primary purpose of the project was to combat graffiti; create a safe pedestrian / bike trail extension through the Lowden Street Tunnel; as well as improve the appearance of the neighborhood. The project also helped foster neighborliness by working together.

Social Revitalization – Single Neighborhood

First Place

The Taste of Milpas

Milpas Community Association
Santa Barbara, California

The Milpas Community Association produced the first-ever Taste of Milpas in 2013 as a way to introduce people to their wonderful restaurants, bring people to their community and raise funds for the group’s annual Holiday Parade, while also supporting local area non-profit organizations that work with youth.

Third Place

Tots Rock

Windom Community Council
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Tots Rock is a dance party for children, ages 6 months to 9 years of age. Hosted by the Windom Community Council and Minneapolis’ Parks and Recreation Board, the event builds a sense of community for families in the neighborhood with young children while introducing residents to local resources and businesses.

Multi-Neighborhood Partnerships

First Place

Hawthorne Center

Near West Collaborative Clean-Up
Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis’ Near West Collaborative is the community-organizing arm of four neighborhoods. One of their largest objectives was a clean-up that hosted 400 volunteers and 200 residents. Their effort, which is a part of the Great Indy Clean-Up, provided four neighborhoods in and around the Hawthorne Center the opportunity to clean up 15 tons of trash, paint fire hydrants and plant 50 trees.

Third Place

Re-Envisioning East 7th StreetRe-Envisioning East 7th Street

Rose Park Neighborhood
Long Beach, California

Working to improve the East 7th Street corridor, city officials need an identity they could embrace. Four neighborhoods and stakeholders reached out to design experts and create a 1.6-mile gallery of possible improvements.