The City of Sebastopol, California,
together with the Redwood Empire Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and a group of local business sponsors, is hosting an international design competition to generate innovative ideas for renewing the city center. The overarching intent is to explore how the physical presence of the city can become a more economically thriving and aesthetically vibrant place reflective of the natural beauty of the region, and the character of the community. Submissions will explore the ways a small, northern California city can transition from its agricultural past to a lively and sustainable future.

The community seeks a cohesive vision for its long-term future. This is an ideas competition. Proposals may be innovative and challenging, and should also present viable ways to implement real, holistic change. Successful designs will generate public discourse about the direction of the town’s future, and assist community leaders in plotting its course.