People For Urban Progress

MISSION: PEOPLE FOR URBAN PROGRESS is an Indianapolis-based 501c3 non-profit that advances good design and civic sustainability by developing products and projects in connectivity, responsible reuse, and making. PUP is creating a smarter, more sustainable, and more resilient city by combining good design with existing resources. We are stewards of those resources and curators of public spaces. All cities are facing new challenges as their buildings age. In an urban context, sustainability isn’t just about solar panels and recycling. It’s about rethinking waste and being smart with what we have. ‘Used’ does not equal unusable. These are design challenges, and PUP is the organization best prepared to articulate these challenges, and to mobilize both the public and the design community to face them head-on with creativity, integrity, and innovation. ORIGIN STORY: So here's what happened - in the fall of 2008, we knew that the RCA/Hoosier Dome was slated for demolition, as the Indianapolis Colts were moving to their new home at Lucas Oil Stadium. We wondered if there was a plan for the building's iconic white roof. Turns out, there wasn't. So we got to work. PEOPLE FOR URBAN PROGRESS was founded by two citizens who wanted to create a better urban experience in Indianapolis. We were tired of complaining about our city - it's struggling transit, wasteful construction practices, mediocre design, and under-used public spaces. WE CREATED PUP TO MAKE THE CHANGE WE WANTED TO SEE IN OUR CITY. Turned out, that roof was made of pretty cool stuff, so we successfully diverted nearly 13 acres of Teflon-coated fiberglass from a local landfill. We bought a sewing machine, rented a small studio, and started making things. These initial products, wallets, clutches, and messenger bags, became our funding mechanism - helping to raise some dough for our larger urban reuse projects. We kickstarted a social enterprise before we knew what either of those things were.