News Archive

Image Alternative Text: Children sit and play on turf and colorful block seats while others are gathered on sidewalk

Learn More about State Spotlight: Creating Fun Spaces

State Spotlight: Creating Fun Spaces

In a partnership between the Idea Shop and MSU's Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center, outdoor seating was designed and fabricated, serving as an example…

May 27, 2021
Image Alternative Text: Guntown residents stand in front of signs on either side of sidewalk

Learn More about Small Town Center featured on WTVA news

Small Town Center featured on WTVA news

A public meeting was held as part of the Guntown City Park Visioning session process to get feedback and input about what community members would…

Apr 14, 2021
Image Alternative Text: rendering of the streatery concept - shows tables with red umbrellas in the parking spots in front of some restaurants in downtown Starkville

Learn More about STC recognized by American Institute of Architects’ Mississippi Chapter

STC recognized by American Institute of Architects’ Mississippi Chapter

The center received an honor citation for the creation of the Starkville Streatery and Small Town Streatery Toolkit.

Jan 13, 2021
Image Alternative Text: headshot of Leah Kemp

Learn More about Director Leah Kemp featured on MPB's 'The Mississippi Arts Hour'

Director Leah Kemp featured on MPB's 'The Mississippi Arts Hour'

Melody Moody Thortis speaks with Leah Kemp, Director of the Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center at Mississippi State University in Starkville.

Dec 14, 2020
Image Alternative Text: rendering of the streatery concept - shows tables with red umbrellas in the parking spots in front of some restaurants in downtown Starkville

Learn More about Mississippi Business Journal features Small Town Center's streateries

Mississippi Business Journal features Small Town Center's streateries

The STC is working to help downtowns economically during the pandemic by developing a toolkit for creating new designs for shared public spaces.

Nov 30, 2020
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Learn More about STC, MSU recognized nationally by APLU for commitment to improving Mississippi

STC, MSU recognized nationally by APLU for commitment to improving Mississippi

Sep 08, 2020
Image Alternative Text: a view of the painted alley project farther away showing 2 buildings

Learn More about Director Leah Kemp writes The Conversation article: 'How small towns are responding to the global pandemic'

Director Leah Kemp writes The Conversation article: 'How small towns are responding to the global pandemic'

Kemp states that small towns have the advantage of being more nimble and responsive to a crisis.

Jul 01, 2020
Image Alternative Text: Leah Kemp at podium

Learn More about Small Town Center director presents to Starkville Aldermen

Small Town Center director presents to Starkville Aldermen

Leah Kemp explained the concept of using tactical urbanism to create the outdoor dining area downtown.

Jun 19, 2020
Image Alternative Text: professional headshot of Fran Pharis

Learn More about MSU’s Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center gains architect

MSU’s Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center gains architect

While a student in the MSU School of Architecture, Fran Pharis worked at the Small Town Center and even volunteered with them after graduating.

May 06, 2020
Image Alternative Text: colorful numbers 1-4 on top of sketch of people outside downtown shop

Learn More about Small Town Center provides COVID-19 resources

Small Town Center provides COVID-19 resources

Apr 24, 2020
Image Alternative Text: Anne Welch, second from left, accepts the Best Public Outreach Award. Presenting the award are Thomas Gregory, left, with Kurt Christiansen and Joel Albizo.

Learn More about MSU’s Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center honored for public outreach by APA, Mississippi Chapter

MSU’s Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center honored for public outreach by APA, Mississippi Chapter

The research center was honored with the Best Public Outreach Award for its recreation master plan for the city of Byram.

Dec 16, 2019
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Learn More about MSU’s Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center celebration, exhibit highlight 40 years of meaningful service

MSU’s Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center celebration, exhibit highlight 40 years of meaningful service

The celebration included an opening reception for the School of Architecture’s Charlotte and Richard McNeel Architecture Gallery.

Nov 30, 2019
Image Alternative Text: Anne Welch headshot

Learn More about MSU’s Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center gains community planner

MSU’s Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center gains community planner

Anne Welch officially began her new role as the center’s community planner at the start of the fall semester.

Nov 01, 2019
Image Alternative Text: screen capture of Leak Kemp, left, gathered around a table with 4 female students in the Small Town Center office

Learn More about MSU’s Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center receives national award for comprehensive plan

MSU’s Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center receives national award for comprehensive plan

The American Planning Association’s 2019 Vernon Deines Award recognizes the CSTC’s Ripley Master Plan.

May 19, 2019
Image Alternative Text: View of the wall in the Small Town Center - maps, logo, renderings, photos of models

Learn More about Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center writes guidelines for downtown renovation

Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center writes guidelines for downtown renovation

Leah Kemp, director of the center, said the template is going to focus on exterior characteristics of the buildings. 

Aug 06, 2018