During the annual urban planning conference hosted by Savannah State University, forum organizers recognize area professionals and projects that demonstrate successful integration of the conference theme, “Planning Across Generations: Deconstructing the Past, Shaping the Future.”

The Pin Point Heritage Museum will receive the Urban Planning Award for Design, which recognizes projects that demonstrate innovation in the redesign of projects, sites and buildings to meet the current needs of a community while retaining the most valuable historical features. The Pin Point Heritage Museum is located in the former A.S. Varn and Son Oyster and Crab Factory. From 1926 to 1985, it was the primary employer for residents of the Pin Point area. The building was converted to a museum in 2012. Lominack Kolman Smith Architects designed the building, which is now operated by the Coastal Heritage Society.

Farm Truck 912 is the recipient of the Urban Planning Award for Collaboration, which recognizes outstanding initiatives that demonstrate inclusive collaboration and have resulted in successful plans and/or projects. Forsyth Farmers’ Market, which operates Farm Truck 912, was organized in 2008 to engage a broad cross-section of Savannah. The founders were a farming advocate, farmer, restaurant owner, educator, environmental youth organizer and a community activist. The market, now held on Saturdays in Forsyth Park in downtown Savannah, aims to make healthy food accessible and affordable to all residents. Farm Truck 912 was launched in 2015 to go to neighborhoods with the greatest need for access to healthy food.

The Master of Science in Urban Studies and Planning program at Savannah State University will host the annual Urban Planning Conference on Friday, April 1, 2016, in the Student Union. Sessions will run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. For a full conference schedule, list of presenters and to register online, visit http://www.savannahstate.edu/misc/urban-planning-conference.