2008-2009 University Scholar Profile
Gavin D. Cain
Mentor: Maria "Tina" Gurucharri
College of Design, Construction,
and Planning
"I applied to the University Scholars program in the hope that I would gain valuable experience and knowledge about the research process related to the fields of Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, & Urban Planning. I hope through my work with University Scholars program and my mentor I can help revitalize the struggling downtown district and community of Jasper in Hamilton County Florida. Through my guided research with my mentor I am gaining invaluable knowledge about Main Street program(s), infill development, economic development, marketing strategies, politics of local government & physical design/planning."
Courses of Study
Major
Landscape Architecture
Minor
Urban and Regional Planning
Research Interests
Social/cultural interaction and vitality of a community and the intervention of sustainable living systems into urban environments; study of the urban environment & its lexicon; Landscape Architecture; Sustainability; Urban Design; Architecture; Art & Art History
Awards
- State of Florida Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects Award for professional potential and technical achievement
- Steven C. Crebbin Memorial Award for academic achievement
- Dean's List
Volunteer Service / Organizations
- President, UF Student Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
- Lobbies federal, state, and local governments about issues related to Landscape Architecture & Urban Design
Hobbies/Activities
Intramural sports - Basketball, Golf, Flag Football, Outdoor Soccer, & Softball; art; playing and listening to music; sharing his love of God, life, and his family and friends
Research Description
A Return to Main Street: The Revitalization of Downtown Jasper in Hamilton County, Florida
Long before the automobile was invented a Main Street in small town America symbolized progress and life. These once vibrant civic arenas, alive with commerce and a less self-interested social culture, have been abandoned for the “American dream” of suburbia, automobile slums, and commercial strip-malls. The goal for this project is to research the history, study the physical attributes, and explore future solutions for a struggling small rural town in Hamilton County Florida called Jasper. The town of Jasper’s once thriving Main Street has deteriorated into an abandoned corridor of vacant buildings and desolate sidewalks. An analysis of other small towns around the United States with successful and/or unsuccessful Main Street programs will be conducted. The lessons learned from these case studies will be synthesized and presented to county and city officials from Hamilton County and Jasper. The results and feedback from the presentation will then be applied to a physical design process in the revitalization efforts of downtown Jasper.
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