Redefining space along the Kanawha River has long been a goal for the Charleston community. So in 2004, hundreds of citizens participated in a design charrette to offer a vision for the riverfront.

The City of Charleston acquired the necessary funding from the late Sen. Robert C. Byrd, the Charleston Urban Renewal Authority, the Schoenbaum Family Foundation and the Haddad Family Foundation to fund the first phase of that vision.

That’s why the City will receive the Best Development Award March 17 during the We Love Our Community Awards, which also will recognize 11 other organizations, businesses and individuals.

The Charleston Area Alliance will host the fourth annual event, presented by title sponsor City National Bank, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at 107 Hale St.

“It celebrates the vision of our people, places and culture,” said Susie Salisbury, the Alliance’s vice president of community development. “The Charleston Area Alliance’s mission is helping create the future by building a vibrant community and prosperous economy, and part of that is featuring the best of what the region has to offer.”

The program includes awards for several categories, including Outstanding Preservation, Best Development, Best Re-Development, Community Celebration, Arts to the Max, Jeff Miller Sustainable Development, James R. Thomas Outstanding Volunteer, “Do the Charleston,” Youth Volunteer, Kanawha Heritage and Servant Leader.

Local artist Rob Cleland is working to create the awards, which “piece by piece” will create a visualization of the region’s integrity.

“We want the final product to be a surprise, so we aren’t going into much detail about Cleland’s creation until the presentation,” Salisbury explained. “But we know it will be a source of pride for the Kanawha Valley.”

The program is free to attend.

Contact Salisbury at SSalisbury@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org for more information.