The Collaborative received recognition in soul of our community: physical beauty means a lot, a Flying Kite post by Lee Stabert. Reporting on a recent John S. and James L. Knight Foundation study on how and why people become attached to their communities, Lee admits, “Philadelphia has a hold on me—its ancient brick sidewalks, corner delis, narrow streets and murky rivers. It's an innate attachment. Maybe even love.”

The Knight Foundation study found aesthetics are a powerful part of Philly’s pull. Says Lee, “In some ways, this should come as no surprise… History might have gifted us some aesthetic advantages, but maintaining a beautiful and livable city is an ongoing effort.” She credits Community Design Collaborative and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society as groups devoted to nourishing that bond.