Author Archives: Catalyst Experiential

Community Identity: Stemming the Tide of Homogenization through Custom Design

EVESHAM, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- Drive down almost any suburban highway, and you will be greeted by a sea of sameness. McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, Wells Fargo, Target, etc. You could be anywhere. But soon, when you drive into or fly over Evesham Township, however, you will be greeted by an embodiment of the township seal. Catalyst Experiential and Evesham Township worked together on the design, which fulfills a township goal to have a unique Landmark letting you know that you are entering Evesham.

Pete Henry, lead designer for Catalyst, noted, "We started playing with the concept of the town seal, and really fell in love with the idea of creating a physical manifestation of the seal. We started to envision the township seal as something that would identify the township even if you were flying over or looking at the satellite view in Google Earth."

This concept led to a triangular Landmark that sits atop a 4,200-square-foot reflecting pool, surrounded by an 88-foot-wide circle with the township name and location. The Landmark features visual communications technology on two sides, and a smaller version of the community seal on the third. A transparent dome sits atop the structure, and will feature subtle lighting that changes based upon the barometric pressure. Vibrant landscaping with over 17,000 plants, including evergreen trees, shrubbery, and flowers, will enhance the experience.

The new Landmark will replace an obsolete gas and service station that has been a well-known community eyesore. Leah Furey-Brueder, Township Planner for Evesham, related, "As we've looked at redevelopment over the past several years, that service station has crossed our mind on several occasions. Sitting at the entrance to Evesham Township, it's the first thing people see when they enter. The reason we never did a redevelopment or rehabilitation designation for the site is that, when you look at that site, we couldn't figure out what we could do with it."

"This project was ideal for Catalyst," explained Amanda Toton, VP of Development, Catalyst Experiential. "Our installations are unique in that we can design something for almost any space, enabling us to revitalize land by replacing an existing use with something more desirable to the community."

The property is less than an acre, which is too small for most modern uses. And, it has a triangular shape and a lot of frontage on the roadway. Leah notes that, "Essentially, it was suited to an old-style gas station and little else." So, when Catalyst Experiential approached to discuss transforming the parcel with a community Landmark, complete with abundant landscaping and water feature, Leah was willing to listen.

Rain runoff will supply the reflection pool, as well as be the primary source of irrigation for the landscaping. The township will have access to the two digital displays to share community information as well as emergency alerts. The new plan also eliminates two curb cuts, increasing safety by reducing traffic that might otherwise be entering the busy roadway.

The new Landmark will fulfill many elements that Evesham had specifically outlined in its 2020 Vision Plan, including conserving open space, preserving natural resources, and promoting public health and safety.

Leah commented on the productive partnership with Catalyst, "Their initial plan met many elements of our vision plan. And, when we asked whether they could provide some additional benefits, they did." For instance, the township recommended sidewalks, and Catalyst agreed to install as part of the plan. And, the township also inquired about solar panels to help power the displays, and Catalyst is developing plans for how to incorporate.

The Landmark was approved on at a zoning board meeting on January 27 that was attended by several community members who expressed enthusiasm for the project. Leighanne Ratcliffe, of Greenhill Court, summed up the view of many in attendance, "I'm proud to live here, and having something that beautiful, and with the landscaping-it's a win for the community."

Learn more at: https://www.catalystex.com/

*IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0206s2p-ce-evesham-300dpi.jpg
Caption: The Evesham Landmark is a larger than life town seal.

Drive down almost any suburban highway, and you will be greeted by a sea of sameness. McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, Wells Fargo, Target, etc. You could be anywhere. But soon, when you drive into or fly over Evesham Township, however, you will be greeted by an embodiment of the township seal. Catalyst Experiential and Evesham Township worked together on the design.

Related link: https://www.catalystex.com/

CONCRETE JUNGLE NO MORE – Catalyst Experiential to Bring Green Space Along Pennsauken, NJ Corridor

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. /ScoopCloud/ — The Township of Pennsauken, New Jersey, in public private partnership with Catalyst Experiential, will bring some much needed green space back to the heavily commercial Pennsauken corridor in the form of two Community Landmarks, a Clocktower on Route 38 and a Monument on Marlton Pike. More than 70% of the land along Route 38 and 70 is zoned commercial, and commercial land can be 85% “impervious” – meaning concrete and asphalt as opposed to landscaping and greenery.

In keeping with that zoning, the actual percentage of impervious surfaces on the commercial land is. . . 85%. Further, businesses maximize the amount of impervious surface for buildings, parking lots, sidewalks, and other things that enable their business to flourish or allow people to get to them.

Catalyst Experiential is working with Pennsauken to introduce nature along two parcels. The first, a Clocktower on Route 38, will replace a car stereo installation shop that occupies an unsightly 1960s single-story purple building. The site, which is almost entirely covered in concrete, will be demolished, and the property will be converted into a vibrant green space with an extensive water feature. The current cold, uninviting concrete building will be transformed into an enticing Clocktower constructed of living plants, an extensive water feature, township identification, and, of course, a clock.

The second is a Monument on Marlton Pike that will replace a closed rug store. It will include a pond as well as township identification.

Amanda Toton, VP of Development for Catalyst Experiential, noted, “The projects both uniquely identify Pennsauken Township, welcome visitors, and revitalize two underutilized parcels in the community.”

The structures each feature high quality digital displays that, in addition to advertising, will be used by the Township as a communication platform that enables quick information-sharing with local residents about community events and other important messages, free of charge.

“Both of these sites have been on our wish list to revitalize,” said, Betsy McBride, former Mayor and a member of the Pennsauken Township Committee. “We are very excited to not only revitalize them, but to transform them into much needed green space in our community.”

The structures fall in line with the Pennsauken Green Team initiative that consists of residents and municipal employees who have a strong interest in the environment and who work towards making Pennsauken Township more sustainable.

The Township participates in Community Visioning, by which residents envision the future they want through meaningful public participation. Stakeholders imagine where they would like the community to be in 10 or 20 years. This shared vision creates the basis for developing goals and completing actions that move the municipality toward a more ideal, sustainable community. This vision is moving towards more green space in the area, with the transformation of two underutilized concrete spaces.

Living Landmark Approved for Route 202 in Flemington, NJ

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Flemington, NJ Land Use Board has approved a Gateway Monument with a living wall to be constructed at the Flemington Circle on Route 202. This decision was rendered at the Board's bi-monthly meeting on October 22. The Monument will be constructed in a public private partnership with Catalyst Experiential.

The Flemington Living Landmark will include colorful landscaping, a living wall, a sign welcoming drivers to "The Historic Borough of Flemington," and an array of "solar trees" to provide renewable energy. The project will integrate a communications platform consisting of three digital displays that the municipality can use to broadcast emergency information and to help promote local activities and events.

"When I look at the rendering, I picture it coming alive -- and have an image of how beautiful this will be," said Tim Bebout, owner and chef at the Main Street Manor B&B in Flemington. "It's going to be lovely to have drivers pass trees and landscaping and to know that just down the street is one of the most beautiful towns in New Jersey and they should stop."

Flemington has been focused on the revitalization of underutilized properties in the Borough, and the rehabilitation of its historic Main Street. Like many communities, it seeks to improve life for residents and stand out from the sea of sameness that permeates our suburbs. Drivers often don't realize they are leaving one municipality and entering the next. Catalyst Experiential will take a derelict auto shop and transform it into a unique meaningful green space with a landmark to welcome visitors to the Borough.

"In the 90s I lived in Hunterdon County and used to pass through Flemington regularly," commented Eric Ascalon, Vice President of Development, Catalyst Experiential. "I remember the quaint, inviting Main Street-but the 202 commercial corridor bypassing the heart of town was nondescript, and had a dilapidated old service station in its midst. I'm very proud that Catalyst will be transforming this eyesore into an appropriate green gateway to welcome travelers to this wonderful community."

More on Catalyst Experiential:

Catalyst Experiential is redefining the physical form of communication by integrating visual communication technology with municipal landmarks, public safety facilities, and community gathering places. Imagine dog parks, pedestrian bridges, art centers, or fire stations that serve the public while enabling the local government, schools, charities, and businesses to speak directly to the community they serve.

Catalyst works closely with communities to understand their needs so that they can develop solutions at no cost to taxpayers. The solutions frequently transform the under-utilized property into a community asset that combines art, architecture, and advertising in a unique way.

Visit https://www.catalystex.com/ for more information.

Follow Catalyst Experiential on LinkedIn for updates on the company and exciting new projects.

*IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-1029s2p-flemington-300dpi.jpg
*Image caption: The Flemington, NJ Land Use Board has approved a Gateway Monument with a living wall to be constructed at the Flemington Circle on Route 202.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Donna Katz
Grimm and Grove Communications
donna@grimmandgrove.com
215-806-4594

The Flemington, NJ Land Use Board has approved a Gateway Monument with a living wall to be constructed at the Flemington Circle on Route 202. This decision was rendered at the Board's bi-monthly meeting on October 22. The Monument will be constructed in a public private partnership with Catalyst Experiential.

Related link: https://www.catalystex.com/