Our Story

A better Springfield starts in the places we share.

Better Block SGF is a local nonprofit that builds community by turning overlooked spaces into places people want to stop, gather, and come back to.

We work with neighbors, artists, businesses, nonprofits, and local leaders to test ideas in the real world—and build momentum for what comes next.

OUR MISSION

Better Block SGF builds community by transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant gathering places.

We believe our community deserves more from its spaces—places shaped by creativity, culture, and connection.

OUR CORE VALUES

Scrappy. Creative. Fast.

These are not buzzwords. They are the way we choose to work when a place has potential and people are ready to do something about it.

Scrappy

We roll up our sleeves and make it happen. We are resourceful, nimble, and willing to test what is possible before waiting for perfect conditions. A smaller first move can open the door to a much bigger one.

Creative

We see what could be. We use design, art, culture, and local imagination to turn overlooked possibilities into visible, hopeful change. Creativity is not decoration; it is a way to help people see their place—and each other—differently.

Fast

We prototype progress with purpose. Moving fast does not mean rushing past people. It means building enough momentum to learn while the opportunity is still in front of us.

ROOTED HERE

Local work. A wider conversation.

Better Block SGF was founded by Addison Jones, an architect and longtime believer in Springfield’s potential. He saw that some of the city’s most overlooked spaces could become places where people gather, connect, and help shape what comes next for the community.

Inspired by the Better Block model pioneered by the Better Block Foundation in Dallas, Addison helped bring a simple idea to Springfield: when people can experience a better version of a place together, they can help make it real.
That idea became Better Block SGF—a local organization built through local relationships, hands-on projects, and a belief that the people closest to a place should help shape its future.

Better Block SGF is independently organized and operated and is not legally affiliated with, governed by, or acting on behalf of the Better Block Foundation.

Learn about the Better Block Foundation

Meet Addison Jones

Addison founded Better Block SGF with a belief that Springfield’s streets, blocks, and gathering places can do more for the people who use them. His leadership has helped turn that belief into visible, hands-on projects across the city.

Read About the 2025 Citizen of the Year

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE WORK

Better places take a lot of people.

Better Block SGF is powered by staff, board members, volunteers, artists, partners, and neighbors who care about what Springfield can become. We bring different skills to the table, but we share a belief that better places are worth building together.