Fernando Costa, a professor of practice in the Regional + City Planning program, recently chaired a seven-member Urban Land Institute (ULI) advisory services panel in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
ULI is a global, multidisciplinary research and education organization that promotes best practices in real estate development. Professor Costa, who has taught courses in public finance and planning management within Gibbs College for the past fifteen years, currently serves ULI as a Global Governing Trustee, Americas Executive Committee member, and member of the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) Committee.
Invited by Ancora Partners and the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, Costa joined a team of panelists to study the Electric Works redevelopment project in the city. The panel took place from April 30 through May 5, where the team toured the historic site, interviewed dozens of local stakeholders, and explored opportunities for involving underrepresented businesses and communities in the project.
This research guided the team in creating an equitable development model that real estate developers and public officials can apply to similar projects in other American cities. The model applies DEI principles to large-scale urban development projects, and emphasizes market analysis, inclusive planning, business equity, and off-site community improvements.
Gibbs College of Architecture congratulates Sunny Andrews (B.Arch. '05) on her promotion to Principal at Miles Architecture, an award-winning Oklahoma City design firm. Sunny also holds a Master of Business Administration from the OU Price College of Business, bringing both design leadership and strategic business expertise to her work.
Gibbs College of Architecture is proud to announce that Rachel White (B.Arch. '08) has been promoted to Principal at Miles Architecture, an award-winning Oklahoma City design firm.
Robert L. Wesley, a pioneering architect and beloved mentor, has died at age 88. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Wesley joined Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in 1964 and became the firm's first Black partner in 1984. Throughout his career, he contributed to significant architectural projects while maintaining a strong commitment to civic engagement and professional mentorship.
