The Places for People Award is an award that recognizes projects that create inclusive spaces and invite community engagement year-round. The Downtown Pullman Association has been named the 2025 Places for People Award recipient for its Movable Furniture Project, adding much-needed community function to downtown Pullman.

Research such as that by William H. White in The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces inspired Bobbie Ryder and Gigi Skrzycka of the Downtown Pullman Association to consider the power of the chair to activate downtown Pullman. Community feedback consistently said that downtown Pullman lacked accessible, inclusive, and pet-friendly spaces where people could sit, relax, eat, read, and connect. In fact, the community was very clearly asking for more “third places”—free, welcoming spaces beyond home or work that can support social interaction and belonging.

Recognizing the potential of underused public plazas, Gigi and Bobbie proposed adding movable tables, chairs, and umbrellas to transform these areas into vibrant, flexible social hubs. With a successful application to T-Mobile’s Hometown Grant in 2023, the Downtown Pullman Association’s Movable Furniture Project was underway.

Over the last two years, as furniture was gradually distributed throughout downtown, volunteers helped unbox, assemble, and maintain it. Initial placements like High Street Plaza quickly became part of daily life downtown, appreciated by residents, students, and visitors. The project also supported the local economy during a major construction project in 2024, maintaining activity and a sense of vibrancy downtown, which supported small businesses and strengthened community resilience in a challenging time.

“The Movable Furniture Project has reaffirmed downtown Pullman as a place for connection, culture, and community life, making it an excellent example of community-driven placemaking,” noted Washington State Main Street Program Director Breanne Durham at the Excellence on Main ceremony. “The Downtown Pullman Association has proved that meaningful change doesn’t always require large infrastructure—it starts with a table, a chair, and a commitment to people.” Durham personally presented the Places for People Award to Gigi Skrzycka and Bobbie Ryder of the Downtown Pullman Association, who were in attendance at the awards ceremony.