Together with the 2021 KCCI Community Catalyst group, Leon County government, local muralist Cosby Hayes, and participants from around the community, ALW helped kick off this year’s Placemaking Week on September 24th with the Brushstrokes for Books community mural painting event at the LeRoy Collins Leon County Main Library. The mural is located along the 285-foot retaining wall at the Call Street entrance of the library. Drive by and have a look, if you haven't already done so! In addition to adding new public art to the community, the mural helps provide a brighter and more welcoming entrance for visitors.

A good read and photo tour of downtown Tallahassee's Ballard Building. While the project was finished in 2018, this article takes you inside to see the latest in this "sleek six-story building encased in glass" that's now fully furnished and occupied. "At every turn, the building is a showcase of quality, high-end art..."

Congratulations to FAMU architecture student Darrio Smith for receiving ALW’s 2021 Ian Sommerfeldt Memorial Scholarship Award! Darrio was selected for this annual award based on his work ethic, commitment to the academic program, and outstanding final project presented to a review committee, which included ALW Creative Director Ryan Sheplak. “His assembly of graphics were clean, crisp and straight forward. They clearly illustrated his design intent from the early concept studies to the final building renderings. Both hand-built models were also a great addition to help tell the story of the final building design. Additionally, his schematic studies of structural systems and building form were very detail-oriented and thoughtfully executed,” Ryan commented after reviewing Darrio’s and other 4th year students’ projects. We wish you continued success in your future Darrio, keep up the great work!

ALW is joining forces with the Leon County Office of Sustainability to maximize our office's conscious contributions to the collective health of our community and our shared planet. The SustainaBiz program, which has been in development for the past year with the County’s key business partners at the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality, has included ALW and Square Mug Cafe as the two pilot businesses. The program acknowledges local businesses and organizations that have made substantial efforts in implementing sustainability practices in energy, water, waste, community + employee engagement, and local economy. Both ALW and Square Mug scored gold on the program's criteria checklist. ALW has committed to continuing its path of furthering our sustainability practices going forward. Learn more about the program, the ALW Green Team (pictured below with Leon County Sustainability Manager, Tessa Schreiner), and our company’s sustainability initiatives by visiting their website, linked below. (Photo courtesy of Leon County Office of Sustainability)