Borderless Studios, a design firm focused on supporting healthy, vibrant, and meaningful communities, received the MacArthur Creative Placemaking Award. Through the Creative Grounds initiative, Borderless has partnered with the Washington Park Development Group to organize community-led design activation projects at the previously closed Anthony Overton Elementary school in Bronzeville. These activation projects seek to reconnect the community with the school while reflecting on the history of the school, celebrating its legacy, and introducing its renewed identity.

The creative placemaking award, administered by MacArthur-supported LISC, emphasizes the importance of supporting a creative sector in Chicago that promotes equity, serves a community’s interests, and builds the character and quality of place.