West Palm Beach DDA Bringing Placemaking Ideas To Life In Downtown
April 22nd, 2026
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (April 22, 2026) – The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is bringing homegrown ideas to life in 2026. The DDA has selected three finalists out of 29 submissions in its search to fund unique ideas for placemaking experiences in Downtown West Palm Beach. Each finalist will receive up to $15,000 to support their project. This grant program was made possible through funding from the DDA and with the generous support from the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties as part of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
“This is an opportunity for the DDA to support community voices that bring new ideas and strengthen our connections in the outdoor spaces downtown,” said Sherryl Muriente, public realm director for the DDA. “Our community is filled with creative individuals that curated these ideas to drive engagement and togetherness.”
The three placemaking ideas selected for funding include:
- Downtown Stories – Created by Travis Dempsey, Downtown Stories is a mobile, pop-up podcast experience that captures the voices of Downtown West Palm Beach. Set in plazas, waterfront areas, and community gathering spaces, the project invites residents, business owners, artists, and visitors to share personal stories and perspectives. Designed as a collaborative storytelling platform rather than a traditional interview format, participants help shape the narrative of the district. Content will be developed into a 13-episode podcast season distributed on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts, alongside video episodes and short-form digital content.
- The People’s Reading Grove – Submitted by Nerlande Adolphe and co-founder Jenna Llorens-Blas of Embargo Editions, The People’s Reading Grove will activate downtown spaces through a vibrant outdoor bookstore experience that expands access to a wide range of literature and perspectives. Inspired by the need for a dedicated literary space following the closure of Northwood’s Heritage bookstore, the project will host twice-monthly pop-up bookstore events, four community-led book clubs, and a free monthly literary salon over the course of a year. Featuring a 10-by-10 book kiosk and partnerships with local organizations, the Grove is designed to encourage reading, thoughtful dialogue, and community connection among residents and visitors alike.
- Mobile Origami Studio – Submitted by Lynn Min with Michael Graves Education, Inc., the Mobile Origami Studio will transform public spaces throughout Downtown West Palm Beach into interactive, pop-up art workshops. Community members of all ages will be invited to create life-size origami animals representing endangered Florida species using recycled materials. Co-led by local students, the program blends creativity, environmental awareness, and intergenerational connection. Each piece will contribute to a culminating exhibition, Origami Everglades & Origami Ocean: Turtle Tides, to be displayed at public venues.
The goal of placemaking is to activate public spaces and engage everyone in contributing to the community’s health, happiness and wellbeing. Placemaking projects have already made a significant impact in Downtown West Palm Beach with efforts such as the Fern Street Chess Park, Lantern Festival, Trojan Rocking Horses, Que Bacano and more.
For more information about the DDA, visit DowntownWPB.com or call 561-833-8873.
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About the Downtown Development Authority
The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities.
For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873.