The year’s most innovative projects couldn’t be more different, but they all reimagine the patron experience, making recreation easier, more accessible, and more fun.
Biederman Redevelopment Ventures — Union Square Programming
Due to COVID and the resulting closing of businesses, the Union Square district in San Francisco had transformed from a vibrant city center to economic hardship. For some, the area has become a questionable place to live and work.
In December 2024, the city announced a new plan to activate Union Square with intensive programming and amenities to help boost its iconic downtown retail and hospitality district. The Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) retained Biederman Redevelopment Ventures Corporation (BRV), a leading placemaking consulting firm, to reimagine Union Square with daily programming, amenities, and activations, starting in early 2025.
BRV provided dozens of programs and amenities (see: https://visitunionsquaresf.com/park-programs) and worked with local businesses, performers, and groups to bring energy and people back to the Union Square district.
Today, Union Square is thriving with people participating in dozens of free programs, enjoying amenities, or just relaxing. This urban revitalization is not only a tribute to Union Square’s landmark and historical importance but also a reimagination of its future as a space that continues to inspire residents and visitors alike.
BRV creates, redevelops, programs, and operates parks, public spaces, and neighborhood streetscapes in 36 states and seven countries. Its founder, Dan Biederman, achieved national recognition for his transformation of New York City’s Bryant Park.
World Ninja Sport — Baku F1 Course
- Facility Name: WNS Baku F1 Course
- City, State: Baku, Azerbaijan
- Cost of Project: $179,000
- Type of Facility: Attraction/City
- Status: Complete
- Square Footage: 13,500
- Number of Floors: 1
World Ninja Sport designed and installed a 100m-style Ninja course for participants at the Formula 1 race in Baku! The course was available to all attendees of the race and featured many replicas of the iconic obstacles from the show American Ninja Warrior, along with innovative new obstacles that could only be experienced at this event. Over the course of three days, over 800 F1 attendees took to the course and experienced joy, satisfaction, and personal growth by tackling a mix of physically and mentally challenging obstacles.
Hundreds of thousands of people travel to Baku for its F1 race in September. The city of Baku was looking for something new and exciting for attendees, so officials contacted World Ninja Sport (WNS). WNS Founder Justin Conway designed a course for them that would also potentially double as an Olympic qualifier course for the modern pentathlon. This gives Azerbaijan the ability to become a competitive location for ninja in the Olympics.
WNS flew a team of Build Team Managers to Azerbaijan to train and work alongside locals to complete the course to much fanfare, and WNS has been invited back to do it again!