Calle Montera is a bustling and historically significant street located in the heart of Madrid, Spain. It serves as a vital artery connecting various prominent neighborhoods within the city. This vibrant thoroughfare is known for its diverse blend of commercial establishments, cultural landmarks, and a rich tapestry of Madrid's contemporary urban life. Calle Montera, with its intriguing history and vibrant present, stands as a testament to the dynamic character of the Spanish capital. Originating from the iconic Puerta del Sol, one of the central squares in Madrid, Calle Montera extends northward, intersecting with other notable streets and avenues, including Gran Via. Its strategic location and accessibility have contributed to its status as a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. With its wide pavements, bustling cafes, and a variety of retail outlets, Calle Montera embodies the energetic pulse of the city. Calle Montera's history dates back centuries, and the street has witnessed various transformations and developments over time. Initially known for its residential buildings and local businesses, the street gradually evolved to accommodate the changing needs and trends of the city. The architectural diversity along the street reflects the different periods of Madrid's growth and development, showcasing a mix of classic and contemporary styles that contribute to the area's unique charm. The street's name, "Montera," is believed to have originated from the term "montero," which refers to the traditional hat worn by hunters. This name might have historical significance, perhaps alluding to the street's past as a gathering place for hunters or as a reference to the hats sold in the area. While its etymology remains somewhat shrouded in mystery, the name Montera has become synonymous with the lively spirit and cultural richness of the street itself. Calle Montera has long been recognized for its vibrant commercial scene, housing an array of shops, boutiques, and department stores that cater to a diverse clientele. From high-end fashion outlets to local artisanal shops, the street offers a variety of shopping experiences, making it a favorite destination for fashion enthusiasts and avid shoppers. The presence of renowned international brands alongside traditional Spanish retailers adds to the street's cosmopolitan ambiance, reflecting Madrid's status as a global fashion and retail hub. Beyond its commercial significance, Calle Montera is also known for its cultural landmarks and attractions that contribute to the street's overall allure. The presence of historic buildings, art galleries, and theaters further enriches the cultural fabric of the area, making it a hub for art enthusiasts and history aficionados. The street's cultural offerings provide a glimpse into Madrid's artistic heritage and contribute to the city's reputation as a thriving cultural center in Europe. Calle Montera's vibrant atmosphere extends into its culinary scene, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries offering a diverse selection of local and international cuisine. From traditional Spanish tapas bars serving authentic regional dishes to contemporary eateries showcasing innovative culinary creations, the street caters to a broad spectrum of gastronomic preferences, making it an ideal destination for food enthusiasts and connoisseurs. In addition to its commercial and cultural significance, Calle Montera has gained notoriety for its vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues lining the street and its surrounding areas. The energetic nightlife attracts both locals and tourists, offering a diverse range of social experiences that contribute to Madrid's reputation as a city that never sleeps. The lively ambiance and the eclectic mix of entertainment options along Calle Montera make it a popular destination for those seeking an unforgettable night out in the Spanish capital. However, it is important to note that Calle Montera has also been associated with a history of street solicitation and the presence of individuals offering certain services, which has at times garnered attention and raised concerns within the community. This aspect of the street's identity has sparked discussions about urban planning, social dynamics, and community well-being, leading to various initiatives aimed at addressing these issues and fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for all residents and visitors. Efforts to promote a more welcoming and secure atmosphere along Calle Montera have been undertaken through collaboration between local authorities, community organizations, and law enforcement agencies. Initiatives focused on enhancing public safety, encouraging responsible tourism, and fostering a supportive environment for local businesses and residents have helped to shape the ongoing transformation of the street. These initiatives reflect Madrid's commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive urban environment that prioritizes the well-being and satisfaction of all those who visit and reside in the city. Calle Montera continues to evolve, embracing its rich history while embracing contemporary developments and innovations that reflect the changing needs and aspirations of a dynamic and cosmopolitan city. Its enduring significance as a cultural, commercial, and social hub underscores its integral role in the fabric of Madrid's urban landscape, making it a must-visit destination for those eager to experience the vibrant spirit of the Spanish capital.

Madrid Nuevo Norte is the big project of 21st-century Madrid. It’s the most significant urban transformation project that Spain’s capital city will undergo, and one of the most important in Europe, designed to improve citizens' life quality and create a more efficient, sustainable, and prosperous Madrid. The project came from the need to integrate Chamartín Station, and all its railway installations, into the city. For more than 50 years, this infrastructure has created a huge rift that divides northern Madrid, with many drawbacks for millions of citizens. This urban regeneration project will not only heal this wound by solving problems related to mobility, security, and a lack of public services, but will also position Madrid in the group of cities that are will best respond to the enormous social and economic changes of the decades to come. A 100% sustainable city in which citizens will travel on foot, by bike, or by public transport, and in which housing, businesses, offices, and green areas create the ideal environment for living, working, and enjoying free time. The size and, especially, the location where Madrid Nuevo Norte will be developed, represent a historic opportunity for Madrid. The enormous scale of the project, which will regenerate more than 2.3 million square meters of disused land, makes it possible to carry out a project that extends beyond its own limits and becomes a project for the entire city. But it is its prime location that will make Madrid Nuevo Norte a truly unique project. As Chamartín Station is at the heart of the project and Adolfo Suárez Madrid Barajas international airport is just 15 minutes away, the project's location is unique in Europe due to its potential for local, regional, national, and international accessibility. Madrid Nuevo Norte creates a new city model based on the best sustainable urban planning practices. A dense, compact people-centered city, public spaces, sustainable mobility, in which housing, offices, retail spaces, green areas, and public facilities are mixed together to complement each other, which creates the best environment for living, working, and enjoying free time. It maintains the essence that makes our city so attractive, but still strengthens its innovative and cosmopolitan nature. A city model that takes everyone into account and was designed through participative processes that made it possible to listen to citizens and understand their different needs and ways of using their city. As the starting point for the renovation of the northern section of the capital, Madrid Nuevo Norte is a strategically important project around which vital regional infrastructure revolves, such as the reorganization of several of Madrid's busiest traffic junctions or the covering of 20 hectares of railway tracks; and other significant, nationwide infrastructures, such as the construction of the new Chamartín station. The L.R. Klein University Institute for Economic Forecasting, attached to the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid analyzed the repercussions that Madrid Nuevo Norte and the project’s urban development actions will have on the national economy. Madrid Nuevo Norte is going to create a new city model focused on the well-being of Madrid’s citizens. The project will also have a significant impact on the regional and national economy, which in turn translates into more opportunities and a better quality of life for all citizens. This sustained impact over time will not be limited to the city of Madrid; the project will have an impact on the region and the country as a whole, promoting economic recovery. In total, it has been calculated that the project will create 348,064 jobs between the construction phase and the future activity that it will generate in the offices and businesses in the new neighbourhoods. During the construction phase, the 149,622 jobs that will be created in Madrid represent 4.8% of the population currently employed in the region. When Madrid Nuevo Norte is finished, it will have the capacity for up to 146,488 more jobs. The total investment for the development of Madrid Nuevo Norte is 11.1 B€. The purchase of properties will add private investment to that figure, for a total cost associated with the Madrid Nuevo Norte project of 25.2 B€. The economic impact of Madrid Nuevo Norte will extend beyond the Region of Madrid and will add to the national GDP. A total of 5.9 B€ in taxes will be collected by all of the Public Administrations. *This project is still in development. The completion date is to be determined*

The Transformer Cabinet Murals project in Fort Collins is a creative placemaking initiative that transforms ordinary electrical utility boxes into vibrant works of public art. Launched by Art in Public Places (APP) in 2004, this ongoing program beautifies city infrastructure while promoting local artists and community identity. Key Features of the Project - Turning Utilities into Canvases More than 375 transformer cabinets across Fort Collins have been hand-painted with colorful, site-specific designs, turning eyesores into artistic landmarks. - Local Artist Engagement Each mural is designed and painted by local artists, selected through a competitive process. This empowers the creative community and fosters a sense of ownership and pride. - Graffiti Prevention The artwork also serves a functional purpose—reducing graffiti and vandalism on public utility boxes by turning them into respected visual art pieces. - Themes of Community & Nature Many murals reflect local culture, wildlife, history, and landscapes, helping reinforce Fort Collins’ unique identity and connection to place. - Accessible Public Art Scattered throughout parks, sidewalks, and intersections, the murals make art part of everyday life, accessible to all residents and visitors without needing to enter a gallery. Why It Matters The Transformer Cabinet Murals project shows how small-scale, low-cost interventions can have a big impact on placemaking, transforming the mundane into the memorable. It brings beauty, creativity, and local storytelling to the streets of Fort Collins—one utility box at a time.

The Mountain Plaza is a unique ceramic installation and‬ open-air theater located in Mihama, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.‬ Conceived by artists Ximena Elgueda and Steven Ward, the‬ project blends art, community engagement, and natural‬ surroundings to create a distinctive cultural space.‬ ‭ Key Features:‬ - Ceramic Acoustic Shell:‬‭ The amphitheater's‬ centerpiece is a 60-ton ceramic acoustic shell, measuring‬ approximately 3.6 meters in height, 7.5 meters in width,‬ and 13 meters in length. This structure enhances sound‬ projection, providing an intimate setting for‬ performances.‬ -Community Involvement:‬‭ Over 2,000 local‬‭ volunteers contributed to the construction, reflecting a‬ strong community spirit and collective effort.‬ -Natural Integration:‬‭ Nestled in the mountains, the‬ plaza offers scenic views and a tranquil environment,‬ making it an ideal venue for cultural and artistic events.‬ ‭ ‭ The Mountain Plaza stands as a testament to the fusion of art,‬ community collaboration, and environmental harmony, offering‬ a unique cultural venue in the heart of Japan's Aichi Prefecture.‬ ‭

Hanazono Shrine was originally founded before the start of the Edo period, about 250 meters south of its present-day location. In the Kan'ei era, the shrine was relocated to the gardens of the Owari-Tokugawa family, in an area that had until then been a prolific flower garden, to make space for the villa of a shogun’s vassal. Before the Meiji period, a branch temple of a Shingon Buddhism sect was enshrined with Hanazono’s Shinto shrine, and the Buddhist chief priest served as the manager of both. During the Meiji Restoration that began in March of 1868, the Buddhist object of worship was abolished from Hanazono, and the religious space returned to only a Shinto shrine. At the time, it was named simply “town Inari shrine” because of a mistake in the submission to the official list of names. It was officially named "Hanazono Shrine" in 1965.

Mishawaka is a legendary music venue, restaurant and bar located in the stunning Poudre Canyon in Bellvue, CO. ‘The Mish’ can be found 13.7 miles up the Poudre Canyon Highway (CO 14). The Highway begins approximately 10 miles northwest of Fort Collins and is part of the Northern Colorado Loop Tour. Mishawaka’s restaurant and bar are open year-round, as is the The SpokesBUZZ Lounge (formally known as the Dancehall space). The outdoor amphitheatre is open seasonally from late May to late September. The indoor venue capacity is 154 and the Amphitheatre holds 950. Mishawaka Amphitheatre hosts private events such as weddings, reunions and parties that are custom crafted and priced accordingly The restaurant is open every day for lunch and dinner during the summer season that runs mid-May through mid-September, with breakfast also available on the weekend starting at 8am. Click here to see menus. Our winter season hosts shows in The SpokesBUZZ Lounge on Fridays and Saturdays, weather dependent. The restaurant hours of operation in the winter are 10am to 9pm, Thursday through Monday, serving lunch and dinner on those days. The Amphitheatre viewing area is an open space with no fixed seating. Patrons are welcome to bring lawn chairs (space allowing). Some shows offer VIP deck access providing preferred viewing areas. The Poudre Canyon is one of Colorado’s natural wonders. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the area’s abundant camping, rustic cabin retreats and many recreational pursuits including rafting, cycling and hiking. Mishawaka treasures the natural beauty of the Canyon and works diligently to be a sustainable member of the community. Sustainability initiatives include a comprehensive recycling plan and transportation program that includes a discounted shuttle service with park n’ ride stops in Fort Collins.

The 606, also known as the Bloomingdale Trail, is a 2.7-mile elevated park and multi-use trail in Chicago, built on a former rail line. It connects several neighborhoods on the city's west side, offering green space, walking, biking, and recreational areas. The 606 features gardens, art installations, and spectacular views of the surrounding areas, fostering community engagement and providing a safe, accessible space for outdoor activities. The project has revitalized previously underused urban space, creating a vibrant pathway that links parks, cultural hubs, and local businesses.

The city of Madrid dug 43 kilometers of tunnels into which the exit routes and motorways of the six-kilometer section along the River Manzanares disappeared. The master plan for the reclaimed riverbanks and the new urban area of Madrid RIO was designed and created by Burgos & Garrido, Porras La Casta, Rubio & A-Sala and West 8. Development plans were then prepared for the individual components: Salón de Pinos, Avenida de Portugal, Huerta de la Partida, Jardines del Puente de Segovia, Jardines del Puente de Toledo, Jardines de la Virgen del Puerto and Arganzuela Park. The most important of which include: the Salón de Pinos, designed as a linear green space, which links the existing and newly designed urban spaces with each other along the Manzanares River. Salón de Pinos is located almost entirely on top of the motorway tunnel and features a “choreography” of 8.000-fold pine trees and a repertoire of cuts. Avenida de Portugal, by relocating one of the most important roads into the center of Madrid underground and providing underground parking for 1,000 vehicles, it was possible to convert the space into a garden to benefit local residents. Embellished with Cherry trees and cherry motif, the result is the creation of an extremely popular public space. Huerta de la Partida, the old Royal Palace is now a modern interpretation of the original royal orchard and a wide variety of fruit trees in planted in groups to create an enclosed garden. For the Arganzuela Park, the dominant motive is the water. The canalized river Manzanares is surrounded by architectonical walls. The system of streams running through the park will cross through the topography and merge into the different spaces and motifs. Puentes Cascara, serving as bridges and iconic landmarks, Puentes Cascara creates a place where the river is really experienced. Designed as a massive concrete dome with a rough texture, the bridges feature more than one hundred cables resembling whale baleens, which are fixed to the slim steel deck. The fine detailing becomes visible when entering the bridge. The ceilings are covered in a beautiful mosaic artwork done by Spanish artist Daniel Canogar. The first part of the project was completed in spring 2007 and in spring 2011 the entire project was completed. Arganzuela Park and the Salon de Pinos are connected by two slow traffic bridges, the Cascara Bridges.

Le Hasard Ludique is a cultural venue and community hub located in a renovated station along the disused Petite Ceinture railway in the 18th arrondissement. Opened in 2017, it includes a bar-restaurant, event space for concerts and workshops, and an outdoor platform that doubles as a terrace. The surrounding section of the Petite Ceinture has been landscaped and opened to pedestrians, creating a linear green walkway. By blending creative programming with the adaptive reuse of historical infrastructure, Le Hasard Ludique is a prime example of community-led placemaking in Paris.

From: https://www.fox21online.com/2021/12/22/duluths-sled-sheds-are-back-this-winter/ "DULUTH, Minn. -The Duluth Parks and Rec has brought back “Sled Sheds” this winter. A free sledding opportunity, Sled Sheds can be utilized by anyone who wants to go out and have some fun in the snow. These sheds can be found at three locations, Lincoln Park, Leif Erickson Park, Portland Square, and a fourth shed location will be coming soon at Merritt Park. “The idea is really for people to get outside. The equipment is already there, people can just go have fun. Not everyone has sleds and so sledding is so much fun especially in Minnesota there’s so many great hills that are here, so we planted sled sheds in different parks that have hills so everyone can use them,” Duluth Public Information Officer, Kate Van Daele says. You can also donate your used sleds to any of the four Sled Shed locations."