Who We Are

Pomegranate Center—based in Issaquah, Washington—is an internationally recognized leader in developing neighborhood gathering places and is a leading nonprofit devoted to community-generated design and development.

Our mission is to facilitate the creation of meaningful, community-crafted gathering places. We do this by integrating social, artistic and environmental perspectives into:

• the creation of meaningful neighborhood gathering places
• constructive and inclusive community-based planning
• educational outreach, research and training.

Our work addresses the decline of community life in our times. Modern communities—impacted by complex issues including rapid change, sprawl, traffic congestion, and staggering environmental degradation—are suffering from decreased participation in activities that support local vitality, along with a lost sense of community and pride.

There is a growing public consensus that neighborhoods are healthier, stronger and safer when they include public spaces where people can gather. Shared public spaces create opportunities for conversation, sharing information, performances, celebrations and play. In doing so, they create an increased sense of well-being, belonging and neighborhood pride.

History and Accomplishments

Pomegranate Center was founded in 1986 by artist and community organizer Milenko Matanovic. Concerned with the direction of modern communities, he created Pomegranate Center to explore how artists can link art with social and environmental issues to help build better communities. Read more about Milenko.

Each year, neighborhood associations, housing authorities, non-profit developers and government agencies turn to Pomegranate Center for community-based planning, technical support and design-build services. And for over 20 years, our work has improved the quality of life for countless thousands in the U.S. and abroad. Read more about our history and accomplishments.