PROJECT:

Builders of Hope

The Porches at Valwood Park

Farmers Branch, TX

Builders of Hope Community Development Corporation is a multifaceted community development organization devoted to transforming Dallas and surrounding communities by building thriving communities and quality affordable homes. Over the past 30 years, BOH CDC has been a leader in constructing and preserving attainable homes, community building, cultivating public policy, and creating pathways for economic mobility. The approach they take to community development consists of three strategies – revitalization of areas that are experiencing suppressed land values due to lack of public investment; stabilization of communities undergoing gentrification marked by fast pace increase in land values; and diversification of mixed-income housing in areas where affordable housing is limited or nonexistent. Through these strategies and grassroots community engagement, BOHCDC has produced over 500 homes, been a partner in building four major subdivisions, and have generated nearly $35M in wealth for families in South, East, and West Dallas.

Situation

Builders of Hope CDC was poised to launch a pivotal attainable/workforce housing project, The Porches at Valwood Park, its first development in the northern Dallas County suburbs (north of I-30). This project marked a significant step towards creating quality, affordable housing while fostering community revitalization without gentrification. With the groundbreaking event as a crucial milestone, Builders of Hope CDC required an event that would not only commemorate the occasion but also effectively communicate the project’s vision and benefits to a diverse group of stakeholders, including municipal officials, financial partners, community members, and media representatives.

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Solution

BOH enlisted PRAXIS Strategic Consulting to conceptualize, plan, coordinate, and execute the groundbreaking ceremony within a hyper-accelerated schedule. PRAXIS leveraged its industry expertise and ability to craft meaningful, impactful events for projects in the built environment. PRAXIS developed a comprehensive event strategy that focused on:

1. Collaboration with Key Stakeholders: PRAXIS worked closely with the City of Farmers Branch, ensuring municipal support and alignment with city regulations and aspirations. This partnership was crucial for showcasing the community and support of the project.
2. Engagement of Financial and Design Partners: Recognizing the importance of highlighting the project's financial viability and architectural vision, PRAXIS facilitated the involvement of Simmons Bank and the project architect, JUXTA. This approach aimed to underline the project's solid economic foundation and innovative design principles.
3. Budget Management: PRAXIS meticulously allocated resources to maximize impact, focusing on essential elements such as venue setup, interactive displays (including the #PorchVibes selfie activation), and promotional materials.
4. Strategic Planning and Execution: PRAXIS designed the event to accommodate 90 attendees, ensuring each element—from the welcome remarks to the community engagement wall—reflected the project's core values and objectives while centering the community and key messaging. PRAXIS prioritized creating an immersive experience that left a lasting impression on all attendees, fostering a sense of ownership and excitement about the project.
5. Art Direction/Media Relations:  Oversaw the event's aesthetic direction and executed a comprehensive media strategy, including crafting and distributing a press release, conducting media outreach, and securing local news coverage. This approach ensured effective communication of the event's key messages, reaching a wider audience and creating a buzz around the project.

Results