Our next innovative social seating project, Tree Seats, has debuted in front of our offices at 3940 Chestnut Street. University City District received a $3,900 grant to create Tree Seats, a functional art project that will provide seating in naturally shaded areas across University City. Designed by UCD’s own Nate Hommel, the seats will be built in tree pits in a manner that will protect the continued health of the tree, crafted from locally-sourced black locust, a dense, durable, naturally rot-resistant wood, and made with replaceable components so that they can be repaired and maintained to extend their usable life well into the future.

We are seeking input from the public to help us choose between two potential designs. Vote for favorites in person during business hours (M-F, 8:30-5) or on Twitter or Facebook using #TreeSeats and choosing between the two options. Votes placed in person will be entered into a drawing to win a gift certificate to a local restaurant. The winning design will have at least an additional three seats manufactured and placed around the district for all to enjoy. The two options, named "The Carlton" and "The Will," are pictured below. Vote for your favorite today!

The Tree Seats are made possible by a grant from the New Urban Mechanics Challenge Grants Competition, a project of the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics.