empowering place

EMPOWERING PLACERomana Riley School Building & Grounds

Design Ethos Do-ference

April 19-21, 2012

DMGT 740: Sustainable Practices in Design

Professor Scott Boylston

Spring 2012

Krista Siniscarco

Design Management, MFA candidate ‘12

Photo credits: James Hersick, Philip Mak & Krista Siniscarco

EMPOWERING PLACERomana Riley School Building & Grounds

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Design Ethos Do-ferenceWorkshop ThemeDay 1Day 2Day 3Conclusions

Asset MapDo-ference Mapping Exercise“Factbook” Worksheets

ScenariosResidential ScenarioMulti-Use ScenarioScenarios DetailsSpider DiagramsNewspaperArticles

Next Steps

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K. Siniscarco, DMGT 740 | 1

DESIGN ETHOS DO-FERENCE“What’s he building in there?”

We had a fun, exciting and educational three days during the Design Ethos 2012 Do-ference. I had the privilege of working with and amazing multi-disciplinary team of design thinkers who were tasked with identifying development opportunities for an abandoned school building. My role was to act as a steward of the process for Theme E - Empowering Place as we brainstormed around the Romana Riley School on Waters Avenue in Savannah, GA.

The team’s goal for the three days of workshops was not to define a single solution but to demonstrate an approach to identifying and evaluating opportunities that could be adopted by the Waters Avenue community for future projects. The team started with a guided tour of the school property and ended the intensive three days with a final presentation to the Design Ethos conference attendees.

The group began their ideation process with a refocus to examine the opportunities for the site, needs of the Waters Ave neighborhoods and broader urban context. Members of the community were invited to engage in engaged in a cultural asset mapping exercise of the Waters Avenue corridor. The goal of the exercise was to determine what assets exist, asset categories, what may be missing and where there are clusters. The asset map was a first step in identifying opportunities for the Romana Riley School that would have a positive impact on the community. The team then went on to explore uses and activities for the whole property. Four distinct opportunities were identified and expanded into scenarios, outlining positive and negative attributes of each. The four scenarios included reopening the property as a charter school, converting the building to residential units (multi-family units and live/work spaces,) community green space and urban farming, and mixed used repurposing with community spaces a variety of business opportunities. For the remainder of the SCAD spring quarter I will be working to further develop and visualize these scenarios. My goal is to document the approach and process to create a toolkit the community can use for future development projects.

>> Blog post - May 2, 2012 http://www.designethos.org/wp/

2 | Empowering Place, Romana Riley School

THEME E // EMPOWERING PLACEASSET: Ramona Riley School Building and Grounds

On a geographically central corner of the Waters Avenue study area sits a large, vacant building that holds great promise as a cornerstone of a revitalized corridor, even as its present conditions cast a shadow of lost opportunity. Ramona Riley Elementary School, built in the 1920s, closed in 1990 and has sat vacant ever since. While interest is high in redeveloping the majestic building and its property, renovation and remediation challenges have plagued the structure. Ramona Riley plays an integral role in the future health of the community. What potential uses would provide the most benefits to the local community and economy, and how can design play a role in framing a positive discussion for shared prosperity with strong local roots?

Waters Avenue corridor and surrounding area.(Romana Riley property in black.)

Romana Riley neighborhood. Romana Riley building and grounds.


TEAM COMPOSITIONCharlie Cannon -RISD faculty, Alabama EngineMatt Leavall - Auburn faculty, Alabama Engine

Sara Jo Johnson- SCAD faculty, DMGTKrista Siniscarco - SCAD student, DMGTR Campbell - SCAD DMGT, Volta Collaborative

Julie Rogers Varland - SCAD faculty, ARCH

David Trayte - SCAD student, HIPRAndy Webb - SCAD student, HIPR

Philip Mak - SCAD student, GRDSJaime Hammond - SCAD student, INDS

Chris Miller - SCAD faculty, DMGTGideon Kossoff - Schumacker College facultyJames Hersick - Rocketfuel Design

Rosemary Banks - community member, WABASidney Johnson - community member, WABAAmy Sarah Drew - Ms. Amy’s Music School

Julie Rogers Varland

Phil MakJamie Hammond

Charlie CannonMatt Leavall

Rosemary Banks

Chris MillerJames HersickGideon Korsoff

Sidney JohnsonAmy Sara Drew

Krista SiniscarcoSara Jo JohnsonDavid TrayteAndy Webb

TOUR GUIDES/PRESERVATION EXPERTS

R Campbell(Synthesizer)

Full participation over 3 days

Partial participation


DAY 1 - THURSDAY, APRIL 19Thursday began with an introduction to the Do-ference and Design Ethos conference structure, teams and tasks. The teams then divided and were given walking tours. Theme E received a tour of the Romana Riley facilities and grounds. The tour was led by David Trayte and Andy Webb. David and Andy are Historic Preservation MFA students at SCAD. They had been working on an assessment project of the building during the previous quarter and transitioning to a renovation and repurposing recommendation for the property.

Thursday afternoon all of the groups came back together for lunch at the WW Law center, located West of the Waters Ave corridor. Following lunch, the groups reconvened for introductions, goals for the team and initial thoughts and ideas of the Romana Riley campus.


TAKE-AWAYS AND INSIGHTSInitial Thoughts/Reactions:• IDEAS are easy. Matching them, enabling

them and investing in them is hard.• How can human behavior, community inter-

est shape a design process?• Architecture can enable or disable a com-

munity.• WITH not FOR• Scale of building/project/impact/renovation/

economic.

Goals:1. To not Define a single solution2. To Demonstrate an approach3. Package approach that can be used by oth-

ers


DAY 2 - FRIDAY, APRIL 20Friday morning, the group received a presentation from Historic Preservation, MFA students David Trayte and Andy Webb. David and Andy gave an extensive report on the condition of the building, historic attributes and status, renovation cost estimates, tax benefits and property zoning. Following the presentation, the group invited in other community members and engaged in a cultural asset mapping exercise of the Waters Avenue corridor. The goal of the exercise was to determine what assets exist, asset categories, what may be missing and where there are clusters. The asset map was a first step in identifying opportunities for the Romana Riley School that would have a positive impact on the community.

In the afternoon, the group had a conversation with Roger Moss. Mr. Moss had submitted a proposal to the Savannah School Board to reopen Romana Riley as a charter school. The school would offer a classic K-12 education and admit students based on a lottery system. The second half of the afternoon was spend brainstorming development opportunities for the campus. The five main ideas that were considered included reopening the property as a school, converting the buildings to residential units, creating community space, urban farming and local food, and a variety of business opportunities. The group then subdivided to further develop the details of each idea.

School:• Charter school• Boys’ prepatory • Waldorf School• K-12 Classic

Residential:• Live/work• Residential Stu-

dios• Apartments to

convert to condo

Community:• Theater• Community head-

quarters• Exhibition space

Food:• Urban farming• Grocery• Café• Soup restaurant• Culinary skills

Business:• Local retail• Kiosks• Pop-ups• Creative biz• Co-work lab


PROCESS1. REFOCUS by looking at• What opportunities the site presents

{Site Assessment}• Opportunities and Needs of the• Neighborhood {Asset Mapping}• The broader urban context

2. EXPLORE• Identify new uses and activities for the whole

property

3. Develop various SCENARIOS• To better understand each one• To better assess the range of opportunity• To suggest broader discussion to uncover

more options

4. Enable DISCUSSION• Develop process so that the community can

better engage in the broader discussion re-garding the future of the property


DAY 3 - SATURDAY, APRIL 21The final day of the Do-ference started with the group documenting their process and methods for the three days of activity. The group then generated an outline for the final presentation. The team was divided into subgroups to detail the process and further develop four scenarios for development of the Romana Riley campus.

The final presentation was storyboarded by the team facilitators, Charlie Cannon and Matt Leavall. The team then divided the tasks of photographing and transcribing notes and diagrams, cataloging images, generating content and designing the final presentation. The day culminated with a 15-minute presentation from each of the six theme groups to all Design Ethos conference attendees.


CHARTER SCHOOL+ -

BUILDING OCCUPIED• Drug Free Zone• Possible Influx of residents • Slowing of traffic• Presence of kids, parents and staff

MULTI-USE AFTER HOURS• Community Workshops• Vocational Training• Meeting Space

QUALITY EDUCATION• Service Opportunities• Mentorship opportunities

JOBS

BUILDING COULD BECOME AND ISLAND • Disconnect from residents and community

leading to lack of support or resentment• Commuter population

PROJECT DELAYS• Unrealistic time lines• Abandoned project

TAX INCREASE?

EMPOWERING PLACE | Romana Riley Schoolhouse

SCENARIOS

Charter School RESIDENTIAL+ -

BUILDING PRESERVATION

APARTMENTS — > CONDOS• Brings people in• Diversity• Green Space• Brings in $$• Vocational Subsidies ???

POSSIBLE LIVE/WORK SPACE• Creative Culture• Community Mentorship• Shared Spaces

GENTRIFICATION WORRIES

LOW INCOME HOUSING • No added value to the community• Already excess of available housing

ZONING• 12 Units

LIMITED OPTIONS WITH PRESERVATION

NO SUPPORTING SERVICES• Grocery, retail, cafes, etc...


Residential

MIXED USE+ -

HIGH ACTIVITY• Diverse Groups• Collaboration• Communication

USE REFLECTIVE OF COMMUNITY NEEDS• Community Organizations HQ

AWOL, CAPS, WABA• Vocational Training• Child Care• Visual and Performing Arts• Small Biz Incubator• Walk-In Clinic / Healthcare• Greenspace

HIGH RISK

NO CLEAR DEFINITION OF ... • Who Owns. Multiple ownership creates

layers of complexity• Revenue Model

COMPETES WITH W. W. LAW CENTER


Mixed UseGREEN SPACE/ URBAN FARM

+ -START WITHOUT THE BUILDINGS• Incremental costs• Immediate activity• Meeting place

COMMUNITY GARDEN / PARK• Walkable, fresh, healthy food• Community Events • Festivals • Planting Harvesting events • Cookoffs• Food Assistance program• $ Opportunities to sell to markets

BUILDING USE• In Phases• Mixed Use: Training, Retail, Cafe

PARKING

TRAFFIC SPEED

WHO MANAGES?

WHAT IF BUILDING SITS EMPTY? WILL THE COMMUNITY LOSE FAITH.


Green Space/Urban Farm


CONCLUSIONS

SITE ASSESSMENT

CHARTERSCHOOL

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES?

RESIDENTIALMIXED-USE

COMMUNITYHUB

GREEN SPACE/FOOD SPACE

LARGER CONVERSATION

NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY

ASSESSMENTS

OPTIONS & IMPACT EXPLORATION

CONTINUED PROCESS


1. IMMEDIATELY possible• Share work with neighborhood residents

2. SHORT-TERM by looking at• Verify economic assumptions• $5.7 Mil. to bring to code• Explore Zoning options • Find out how it fits with larger city agendas

3. ONGOING by going deeper

SCENARIOS {Broader Insights}

1. Layered Development + Revenue Strategy2. Consider Phasing3. Link Design Strategy with Geographic Strat-

egy4. Understand how each scenario is financially

feasible


We need to design the baton to enable the larger community to move Romana Riley forward.


ASSET MAP

Waters Avenue Businesses

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Indigo Sky Community Gallery

New Prestige Cuts

Best Cleaners & Laundry

Chu’s Meat & Seafood

Katherine’s Corner

Discount Muffler & Auto Repair

Brady Electric

Savannah Barber Styling Institute

It’s Amazing Beauty Supplies

Billy’s Beverage Center

Penny’s & Tania’s Home Cooked Meals

Chicago’s

Beauty Supplies

Lisa’s Chinese Take-out

Ms. Amy’s School of Music

D & D Photography & Design

Everard & Co Antique Auctions

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On the second day of the Do-ference the team invited members of the community to join in a cultural asset mapping exercise. The community was asked to used color coded postits to label businesses, churches, parks, gardens, organizations, schools and people along the corridor. The goal of the exercise was to visualize what currently exists on the Waters corridor, where there are clusters of activity, where connections exist and what might be missing. The data was then used to inform the development of scenarios.

Due to limited time and participation during the Do-ference, the team felt it wise to develop tools to allow the community to continue asset mapping to be used as a future resource. Worksheets were created as part of the WABA “Factbook” (developed in collaboration with the stewards of Empowering Business and Empowering Renewal) that can be easily updated and referenced by members of the WABA community. The worksheets map and list businesses, churches, parks & gardens, and neighborhoods along the corridor. The maps can be used in conjunction with the “business” and “people” directories contained in the Factbook.


DO-FERENCE MAPPING EXERCISE


“FACTBOOK” WORKSHEETS


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Indigo Sky Community Gallery

New Prestige Cuts

Best Cleaners & Laundry

Chu’s Meat & Seafood

Katherine’s Corner

Discount Muffler & Auto Repair

Brady Electric

Savannah Barber Styling Institute

It’s Amazing Beauty Supplies

Billy’s Beverage Center

Penny’s & Tania’s Home Cooked Meals

Chicago’s

Beauty Supplies

Lisa’s Chinese Take-out


D & D Photography & Design

Everard & Co Antique Auctions

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78

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121314

15 1617


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Waters Avenue Churches

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True Light Bible Institute

Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church

Fellowship of Love Community Church

Bible & Prayer Ministries

FHCC Evangelistic

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Best Academy



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Gwinnett1 - Eastside

2 - Benjamin Van Clark Park

3 - Midtown

4 - Live Oak

5 - Baldwin Park

Waters Avenue Neighborhoods

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Waters Avenue

SAVANNAHNOW.COMWEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2024 LIGHT OF THE COASTAL EMPIRE$1.00

Why I Love Waters Ave

I’ve lived in the Waters Ave corridor for most of my life. I grew up here. My husband

and I cre-ated a home here. We raised our son here. I’ve seen many c h a n g e s , both good and bad. People and bus i ne ss e s

have come and gone. And there have been many ef-forts to make a positive dif-ference in the community.

It’s hard to believe that not too long ago this area was riddled with abandoned properties, crime, poverty and a host of other concerns. Waters Ave today reminds me of the neighborhood of my youth—children play-ing outside, families walking down the streets, thriving local businesses and a buzz of diverse activity. But with all of this change, one thing has remained the same, and that is the heart of this com-munity which continues to beat strong into the future.

Romana Riley Apartments Celebrates 10 Years

A local children playing a game as part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the apartments.

BY AMY SARAH DREW

Twelve years ago, Garrison Properties from Kansas City purchased a 1.2-acre aban-doned property on Waters Ave. In 2014, a 40-unit afford-able housing complex opened it’s doors on the former Ro-mana Riley School building and grounds. The community was initially skeptical of the

housing development, un-sure of the implications or the effect on the community.

However, over the past 10 years, the Romana Riley Apart-ments has become a beacon of positive, diverse activity and a cornerstone of the community. The complex’s resident manag-er, Mr. Elliot Moore, is an active member of WABA and the Live Oak Neighborhood Associa-

tion. Due to Mr. Moor’s partner-ships, the residents of Romana Riley have been welcomed into the community with open arms. They work in and patronize local businesses, are active members of neighborhood organizations and have helped return Wa-ters Ave to the culturally rich, safe, hopeful, family friendly community that it once was.

» Story continued on 2A

INSIDEAccidents Down 25%

A new study has shown that traffic accidents at the intersections of Waters Ave and E. Henry and E. Anderson streets have dropped 25% over the past 10 years. Experts attribute the reduction to several fac-tors including an increase in walking and biking traffic in the area and more activ-ity on the local properties.

» Riley Gets Landmark Status

The Romana Riley building has been declared a National Historic Landmark thanks to the collaborative efforts of a group of residents of the Wa-ters Ave and two graduate students in the Historic Pres-ervation department of SCAD.

» Waters Ave Diversity

The Waters Avenue corridor between Victory Dr. and Whea-ton St. has historically been an African American neighborhood and recently an area of focused revitalization efforts. However, new census data has highlighted the area as the most ethnically and economically diverse sec-tion of the City of Savannah.

175TH YEAR, ISSUE 135

BY HEZEKIAH HUDSON

The people of the City of Sa-vannah have had a long-stand-ing love-hate relationship with the “It’s Amazing” strip mall on Waters Ave between 36th & 37th streets. The commu-nity is frustrated by the lack of development of the property but hopefully about it’s pos-

sibilities. Many potential in-vestors have shown interest in the building over the past several years, but none had made a purchasing bid. But all that has recently changed.

Mr. Charles Jones, a local Sa-vannah businessman and real estate developer has purchased “It’s Amazing” from the City of Savannah. Mr. Jones has been a

strong supporter of the revital-ization efforts in Savannah and has been looking for an invest-ment opportunity. Mr. Jones has plans to divide the property into multiple spaces for varying com-munity uses. Mr. Jones hopes to partner with local businesses and organizations to provide meeting and business spaces for different groups and individu-

als in the Waters Ave area. The complex could include arts and performance spaces, meeting rooms, a computer lab, retail space, green areas and even a skate park. Mr. Jones will be holding a meeting to share his development plans and busi-ness model and to invite com-munity members to become part of the planning process.

Amazing New Plan for “It’s Amazing” Property

Savannah Morning News

Waters Avenue Then and Now Essay Contest

Go to http://savannahnow.com/watersessaycontest for contest guidelines and submissions!

The Waters Avenue corridor has experienced some major changes over the past 10 years and we want to hear about it from you.Send us your thoughts, ideas, memories and visions for the future of Waters Ave. Top finalist will have their essays featured on the website and winners will be voted on by the public.

BYROSEMARYBANKS

Romana Riley Community Garden holds planting event

4A

WABAGUILDOPENHOUSE

FRIDAYMAY31WATERSAVENUE

Savannah Morning News.WATERS AVENUE REVITALIZATION ANNIVERSARY ISSUE


SCENARIOSScenario Planning is a strategic planning process of visualizing what future conditions or events are probable, what their consequences or effects would be like, and how to respond to, or benefit from them. The Empowering Place team made the decision to use scenarios as to not define a single solution for the property and to design a tool that could be used for development of other properties on Waters Ave.

The scenarios from the Do-ference were transformed and further developed to create a more concrete vision of future paths of development for Romana Riley School and implications for the community. The outcome was 4 separate scenarios —three residential housing paths and one multiple use plan for the property.

The first diagram outlines 3 scenarios based on different housing development options. As you move through each scenario from top to bottom, the cause and effect of each action or attribute is revealed. Each scenario offers opportunities for the community to intervene and prevent the events of a certain path from occurring. The scenarios also offer opportunities for the community to support, steward and encourage events leading to a positive outcome.

Low Income Housing - tenant has 1-2 times the amount of rent in income. Rent is often subsidized by the government.

Affordable Housing - tenant has 3-4 times the amount of rent in income. Rent is based on the medium income levels and housing values in a particular location.

The second diagram outlines a single scenario with multiple paths or parts. The outlined paths can be developed separately, in phases or simultaneously. Each path can also be removed from the context of the Romana Riley property and implemented in different locations along Waters Ave or in the City of Savannah. To continue to build this scenario, community members were invited to add ideas and partnership opportunities to the paths. The postit notes with these additional comments can be found at the end of this book and label according to corresponding scenario number.

THEME E // EMPOWERING PLACERomana Riley School Building and Grounds

RESIDENTIAL SCENARIOS

Low Income Housing

Affordable Housing

Live/WorkSpace

BuildingOccupied

No development

of green space

Section 8- no application

or review process for residency

No community presence on

property

High turnover in residents

Increase in crime and drug

activity

Property neglect or abandonment

by owners

End up in same situation in the

future

ParkingLot

“Vacant”Unattended

Lot

BuildingOccupied

Temporary (or long-term) use of green

space

Communitygarden

Landmark Status

40 units, 1-2 bed- elderly- families- children

Build relationship with community

Application process &

background check for residents

Resident manager on site

WABA member

Activity on property

Residents with skills & income

community assets

Investment in community

leads to future investments

Outdoor gathering

space

Exterior historic

preservation

Increase diversity

Increase parking, decrease

green space

WABA Guild

Walking traffic

Improve safety

Slowing traffic

“It’s Amazing” development

Gentrification

BuildingOccupied

Community green space

Communitygarden

Landmark Status

Outdoor event space

Historic preservation

Multi units for creatives

- group work space

Shared community

space

WABA

Performance/meeting space

AWOL

Community outreach & workshops

Mentoringprograms

Youth & elder

programs

Creative skill development

Gentrification

Central point of activity on

Waters(diversity in activity)

Improve safety

Symbol of community

Future investments in the community

This diagram outlines 3 scenarios based on different housing development options. As you move through each scenario from top to bottom, the cause and effect of each action or attribute is revealed. Each scenario offers opportunities for the community to intervene and prevent the events of a certain path occuring. The scenarios also offer opportunities for the community to support, steward and encourage events leading to a positive outcome.

Bui

ldin

gEa

rly D

evel

opm

ents

Long

-ter

m Im

plic

atio

ns

Opportunity forintervention

Opportunity forencouragement

1 2 3




MULTI-USE SCENARIOThis diagram outlines a single scenario with multiple paths

or parts. The outlined paths can be developed separately, in

phases or simultaneously. Each path can also be removed from

the context of the Romana Riley property and implimented in

different locations along Waters Ave or in the City of Savannah.

To continue to build this scenario, community members are

invited to add ideas and partnership opportunities to the paths.

Green Space

CommunitySpace

VocationalTraining

BusinessIncubator

Immediate development of community

garden

“Needs assessment” of

community

Meal prep/ cooking classes

Walkable, fresh, healthy food

Local Cafe(organic food)


- community gathering space

Festivals/craft fairs

Farmers’Market

Community Events

Food assistance program

Cook-offsPlanting/harvesting

WABAheadquarters

Visual & performing arts

space

Meeting space for community organizations

BlockLabAWOL office

Community communication & collaboration

Community members

develop spaces based on needs

Property developed in

phases

Grant opportunities

Skate park designed by

local kids

Professional “soft” skills

training

Technical “computer” skills training

Vocational skills training

Community members servicing

community

Community training & internships

Small business mentor program

(WABA)

Creative business presence

WABAGuild

Feed talents back into

community

Space to make & sell

local goods

Develop property

(historic landmark)

Encourge future investment in community

Fill community needs

Increase public safety

Decrease crime & poverty

Act as a central point of

community

Instill community

pride

Benefits and trajectory for all parts of multi-use scenario.

Ideas/Partnership

opportunities

4

Harambee Farms

extension

StarfishCafe

ECC/WW Law Center

CreativeCoast

HarambeeGarments

Thinc Savannah


RESIDENTIAL SCENARIOS (3)THEME E // EMPOWERING PLACERomana Riley School Building and Grounds

RESIDENTIAL SCENARIOS

Low Income Housing

Affordable Housing

Live/WorkSpace

BuildingOccupied

No development

of green space

Section 8- no application

or review process for residency

No community presence on

property

High turnover in residents

Increase in crime and drug

activity

Property neglect or abandonment

by owners

End up in same situation in the

future

ParkingLot

“Vacant”Unattended

Lot

BuildingOccupied

Temporary (or long-term) use of green

space

Communitygarden

Landmark Status

40 units, 1-2 bed- elderly- families- children

Build relationship with community

Application process &

background check for residents

Resident manager on site

WABA member


Residents with skills & income

community assets

Investment in community

leads to future investments

Outdoor gathering

space

Exterior historic

preservation

Increase diversity

Increase parking, decrease

green space

WABA Guild

Walking traffic

Improve safety

Slowing traffic

“It’s Amazing” development

Gentrification

BuildingOccupied

Community green space

Communitygarden

Landmark Status

Outdoor event space

Historic preservation

Multi units for creatives

- group work space

Shared community

space

WABA

Performance/meeting space

AWOL

Community outreach & workshops

Mentoringprograms

Youth & elder

programs

Creative skill development

Gentrification

Central point of activity on

Waters(diversity in activity)

Improve safety

Symbol of community

Future investments in the community

This diagram outlines 3 scenarios based on different housing development options. As you move through each scenario from top to bottom, the cause and effect of each action or attribute is revealed. Each scenario offers opportunities for the community to intervene and prevent the events of a certain path occuring. The scenarios also offer opportunities for the community to support, steward and encourage events leading to a positive outcome.

Bui

ldin

gEa

rly D

evel

opm

ents

Long

-ter

m Im

plic

atio

ns



1 2 3




MULTI-USE SCENARIO (1)THEME E // EMPOWERING PLACERomana Riley School Building and Grounds








Green Space

CommunitySpace

VocationalTraining

BusinessIncubator


garden


community







Farmers’Market

Community Events



WABAheadquarters


space


BlockLabAWOL office


Community members



phases

Grant opportunities


local kids


training




community



(WABA)


WABAGuild


community


local goods

Develop property

(historic landmark)






community

Instill community

pride


Ideas/Partnership

opportunities

4

Harambee Farms

extension

StarfishCafe

ECC/WW Law Center

CreativeCoast

HarambeeGarments

Thinc Savannah


THE

ME

E /

/ E

MP

OW

ER

ING

PLA

CE

Rom

ana

Rile

y Sc

hool

Bui

ldin

g a

nd G

roun

ds

RE

SID

EN

TIA

L SC

EN

AR

IOS

Low

Inco

me

Hou

sing

Affo

rdab

le

Hou

sing

Live

/Wor

kSp

ace

Bui

ldin

gO

ccup

ied

No

dev

elop

men

t of

gre

en s

pac

e

Sect

ion

8-

no a

pp

licat

ion

or re

view

pro

cess

fo

r re

sid

ency

No

com

mun

ity

pre

senc

e on

p

rop

erty

Hig

h tu

rnov

er

in re

sid

ents

Incr

ease

in

crim

e an

d d

rug

ac

tivity

Prop

erty

neg

lect

or

ab

and

onm

ent

by

owne

rs

End

up

in s

ame

situ

atio

n in

the

fu

ture

Park

ing

Lot

“Vac

ant”

Una

tten

ded

Lot

Bui

ldin

gO

ccup

ied

Tem

por

ary

(or

long

-ter

m)

use

of g

reen

sp

ace

Com

mun

ityg

ard

en

Land

mar

k St

atus

40 u

nits

, 1-2

bed

- el

der

ly-

fam

ilies

- ch

ildre

n

Bui

ld re

latio

nshi

p

with

com

mun

ity

Ap

plic

atio

n p

roce

ss &

b

ackg

roun

d

chec

k fo

r re

sid

ents

Resi

den

t m

anag

er o

n si

te

WA

BA

mem

ber

Act

ivity

on

pro

per

ty

Resi

den

ts w

ith

skill

s &

inco

me

com

mun

ity a

sset

s

Inve

stm

ent

in

com

mun

ity

lead

s to

futu

re

inve

stm

ents

Out

doo

r g

athe

ring

sp

ace

Exte

rior

hist

oric

p

rese

rvat

ion

Incr

ease

d

iver

sity

Incr

ease

p

arki

ng,

dec

reas

e g

reen

sp

ace

WA

BA

G

uild

Wal

king

tr

affic

Imp

rove

sa

fety

Slow

ing

tr

affic

“It’s

Am

azin

g”

dev

elop

men

tG

entr

ifica

tion

Bui

ldin

gO

ccup

ied

Com

mun

ity

gre

en s

pac

e

Com

mun

ityg

ard

en

Land

mar

k St

atus

Out

doo

r ev

ent

spac

e

His

toric

p

rese

rvat

ion

Mul

ti un

its fo

r cr

eativ

es-

gro

up w

ork

spac

e

Shar

ed

com

mun

ity

spac

e

WA

BA

Perf

orm

ance

/m

eetin

g

spac

e

AW

OL

Com

mun

ity

outr

each

&

wor

ksho

ps

Men

torin

gp

rog

ram

s

Yout

h &

eld

er

pro

gra

ms

Cre

ativ

e sk

ill

dev

elop

men

tG

entr

ifica

tion

Cen

tral

poi

nt

of a

ctiv

ity o

n W

ater

s(d

iver

sity

in a

ctiv

ity)

Imp

rove

sa

fety

Sym

bol

of

com

mun

ity

Futu

re

inve

stm

ents

in

the

com

mun

ity

This

dia

gra

m o

utlin

es 3

sce

nario

s b

ased

on

diff

eren

t hou

sing

d

evel

opm

ent

optio

ns.

As

you

mov

e th

roug

h ea

ch s

cena

rio

from

top

to

bot

tom

, th

e ca

use

and

effe

ct o

f ea

ch a

ctio

n or

at

trib

ute

is r

evea

led

. Ea

ch s

cena

rio o

ffers

op

por

tuni

ties

for

the

com

mun

ity t

o in

terv

ene

and

pre

vent

the

eve

nts

of a

ce

rtai

n p

ath

occu

ring

. The

sce

nario

s al

so o

ffer o

pp

ortu

nitie

s fo

r the

com

mun

ity to

sup

por

t, s

tew

ard

and

enc

oura

ge

even

ts

lead

ing

to

a p

ositi

ve o

utco

me.

Building Early Developments Long-term Implications

Op

por

tuni

ty fo

rin

terv

entio

n

Op

por

tuni

ty fo

ren

cour

agem

ent

12

3

Op

por

tuni

ty fo

rin

terv

entio

n

Op

por

tuni

ty fo

ren

cour

agem

ent


THE

ME

E /

/ E

MP

OW

ER

ING

PLA

CE

Rom

ana

Rile

y Sc

hool

Bui

ldin

g a

nd G

roun

ds

RE

SID

EN

TIA

L SC

EN

AR

IOS

Low

Inco

me

Hou

sing

Affo

rdab

le

Hou

sing

Live

/Wor

kSp

ace

Bui

ldin

gO

ccup

ied

No

dev

elop

men

t of

gre

en s

pac

e

Sect

ion

8-

no a

pp

licat

ion

or re

view

pro

cess

fo

r re

sid

ency

No

com

mun

ity

pre

senc

e on

p

rop

erty

Hig

h tu

rnov

er

in re

sid

ents

Incr

ease

in

crim

e an

d d

rug

ac

tivity

Prop

erty

neg

lect

or

ab

and

onm

ent

by

owne

rs

End

up

in s

ame

situ

atio

n in

the

fu

ture

Park

ing

Lot

“Vac

ant”

Una

tten

ded

Lot

Bui

ldin

gO

ccup

ied

Tem

por

ary

(or

long

-ter

m)

use

of g

reen

sp

ace

Com

mun

ityg

ard

en

Land

mar

k St

atus

40 u

nits

, 1-2

bed

- el

der

ly-

fam

ilies

- ch

ildre

n

Bui

ld re

latio

nshi

p

with

com

mun

ity

Ap

plic

atio

n p

roce

ss &

b

ackg

roun

d

chec

k fo

r re

sid

ents

Resi

den

t m

anag

er o

n si

te

WA

BA

mem

ber

Act

ivity

on

pro

per

ty

Resi

den

ts w

ith

skill

s &

inco

me

com

mun

ity a

sset

s

Inve

stm

ent

in

com

mun

ity

lead

s to

futu

re

inve

stm

ents

Out

doo

r g

athe

ring

sp

ace

Exte

rior

hist

oric

p

rese

rvat

ion

Incr

ease

d

iver

sity

Incr

ease

p

arki

ng,

dec

reas

e g

reen

sp

ace

WA

BA

G

uild

Wal

king

tr

affic

Imp

rove

sa

fety

Slow

ing

tr

affic

“It’s

Am

azin

g”

dev

elop

men

tG

entr

ifica

tion

Bui

ldin

gO

ccup

ied

Com

mun

ity

gre

en s

pac

e

Com

mun

ityg

ard

en

Land

mar

k St

atus

Out

doo

r ev

ent

spac

e

His

toric

p

rese

rvat

ion

Mul

ti un

its fo

r cr

eativ

es-

gro

up w

ork

spac

e

Shar

ed

com

mun

ity

spac

e

WA

BA

Perf

orm

ance

/m

eetin

g

spac

e

AW

OL

Com

mun

ity

outr

each

&

wor

ksho

ps

Men

torin

gp

rog

ram

s

Yout

h &

eld

er

pro

gra

ms

Cre

ativ

e sk

ill

dev

elop

men

tG

entr

ifica

tion

Cen

tral

poi

nt

of a

ctiv

ity o

n W

ater

s(d

iver

sity

in a

ctiv

ity)

Imp

rove

sa

fety

Sym

bol

of

com

mun

ity

Futu

re

inve

stm

ents

in

the

com

mun

ity

This

dia

gra

m o

utlin

es 3

sce

nario

s b

ased

on

diff

eren

t hou

sing

d

evel

opm

ent

optio

ns.

As

you

mov

e th

roug

h ea

ch s

cena

rio

from

top

to

bot

tom

, th

e ca

use

and

effe

ct o

f ea

ch a

ctio

n or

at

trib

ute

is r

evea

led

. Ea

ch s

cena

rio o

ffers

op

por

tuni

ties

for

the

com

mun

ity t

o in

terv

ene

and

pre

vent

the

eve

nts

of a

ce

rtai

n p

ath

occu

ring

. The

sce

nario

s al

so o

ffer o

pp

ortu

nitie

s fo

r the

com

mun

ity to

sup

por

t, s

tew

ard

and

enc

oura

ge

even

ts

lead

ing

to

a p

ositi

ve o

utco

me.


Op

por

tuni

ty fo

rin

terv

entio

n

Op

por

tuni

ty fo

ren

cour

agem

ent

12

3

Op

por

tuni

ty fo

rin

terv

entio

n

Op

por

tuni

ty fo

ren

cour

agem

ent


THE

ME

E /

/ E

MP

OW

ER

ING

PLA

CE

Rom

ana

Rile

y Sc

hool

Bui

ldin

g a

nd G

roun

ds

MU

LTI-U

SE S

CE

NA

RIO

This

dia

gra

m o

utlin

es a

sin

gle

sce

nario

with

mul

tiple

pat

hs

or p

arts

. Th

e ou

tline

d p

aths

can

be

dev

elop

ed s

epar

atel

y, i

n

pha

ses

or s

imul

tane

ousl

y. E

ach

pat

h ca

n al

so b

e re

mov

ed fr

om

the

cont

ext

of t

he R

oman

a Ri

ley

pro

per

ty a

nd im

plim

ente

d in

diff

eren

t loc

atio

ns a

long

Wat

ers

Ave

or i

n th

e C

ity o

f Sav

anna

h.

To c

ontin

ue t

o b

uild

thi

s sc

enar

io,

com

mun

ity m

emb

ers

are

invi

ted

to a

dd

idea

s an

d p

artn

ersh

ip o

pp

ortu

nitie

s to

the

pat

hs.

Gre

en

Spac

eC

om

mun

ity

Spac

eV

oca

tio

nal

Trai

ning

Bus

ines

sIn

cub

ato

r

Imm

edia

te

dev

elop

men

t of

com

mun

ity

gar

den

“Nee

ds

asse

ssm

ent”

of

com

mun

ity

Mea

l pre

p/

cook

ing

cla

sses

Wal

kab

le, f

resh

, he

alth

y fo

od

Loca

l Caf

e(o

rgan

ic fo

od)

Act

ivity

on

pro

per

ty-

com

mun

ity

gat

herin

g s

pac

e

Fest

ival

s/cr

aft

fairs

Farm

ers’

Mar

ket

Com

mun

ity

Even

ts

Food

as

sist

ance

p

rog

ram

Coo

k-of

fsPl

antin

g/

harv

estin

g

WA

BA

head

qua

rter

s

Vis

ual &

p

erfo

rmin

g a

rts

spac

e

Mee

ting

sp

ace

for

com

mun

ity

org

aniz

atio

ns

Blo

ckLa

bA

WO

L of

fice

Com

mun

ity

com

mun

icat

ion

& c

olla

bor

atio

n

Com

mun

ity

mem

ber

s d

evel

op s

pac

es

bas

ed o

n ne

eds

Prop

erty

d

evel

oped

in

pha

ses

Gra

nt

opp

ortu

nitie

s

Skat

e p

ark

des

igne

d b

y lo

cal k

ids

Prof

essi

onal

“s

oft”

ski

lls

trai

ning

Tech

nica

l “c

omp

uter

” sk

ills

trai

ning

Voca

tiona

l ski

lls

trai

ning

Com

mun

ity

mem

ber

s se

rvic

ing

co

mm

unity

Com

mun

ity

trai

ning

&

inte

rnsh

ips

Smal

l bus

ines

s m

ento

r p

rog

ram

(WA

BA

)

Cre

ativ

e b

usin

ess

pre

senc

e

WA

BA

Gui

ld

Feed

tal

ents

b

ack

into

co

mm

unity

Spac

e to

mak

e &

sel

l lo

cal g

ood

s

Dev

elop

p

rop

erty

(h

isto

ric la

ndm

ark)

Enco

urg

e fu

ture

in

vest

men

t in

co

mm

unity

Fill

com

mun

ity

need

sIn

crea

se p

ublic

sa

fety

Dec

reas

e cr

ime

& p

over

ty

Act

as

a ce

ntra

l poi

nt o

f co

mm

unity

Inst

ill

com

mun

ityp

ride

Ben

efits

and

tra

ject

ory

for

all p

arts

of m

ulti-

use

scen

ario

.

Idea

s/Pa

rtne

rshi

pop

port

uniti

es

4

Har

ambe

e Fa

rms

exte

nsio

n

Starfish

Cafe

ECC/

WW

Law

Ce

nter

Crea

tive

Coas

t

Har

ambe

eGar

men

ts

Thinc

Sava

nnah










Green Space

CommunitySpace

VocationalTraining

BusinessIncubator


garden


community







Farmers’Market

Community Events



WABAheadquarters


space


BlockLabAWOL office


Community members



phases

Grant opportunities


local kids


training




community



(WABA)


WABAGuild


community


local goods

Develop property

(historic landmark)






community

Instill community

pride


Ideas/Partnership

opportunities

4

Harambee Farms

extension

StarfishCafe

ECC/WW Law Center

CreativeCoast

HarambeeGarments

Thinc Savannah


A spider diagram (or radar chart) is a graphical method of displaying multivariate data represented on axes starting from the same point. The center point represents the lowest value and increases moving outward in the circle.

The charts to the right are spider diagrams based on the residential and multi-use scenarios. The radii each represent a Do-ference theme. The more area the shape covers, the larger overlap, impact or implication the scenario has on each theme. The lighter green shade, represents opportunity based on the residential path chosen.

Each theme can also be mapped to the 6 initiatives set forth by the City of Savannah for the Waters Ave revitalization efforts. The initiatives and relationship to Do-ference themes is mapped out below. The thickness of the line, relates to the strength of the connection.

Empowering Community

Empowering Business

Empowering Youth

Empowering Culture

Empowering Place

Empowering Renewal

Civic Engagement and Capacity Building

Beautification and Blight Removal

Vacant Property

Neighborhood Business Vitality

Financial Tools for Community Economic Development

Public Safety

City of Savannah Initiatives Do-ference Themes

SPIDER DIAGRAMS


A - Empowering CommunityB - Empowering BusinessC - Empowering YouthD - Empowering CultureE - Empowering PlaceF - Empowering Renewal

A

B

C

D

E

F

ResidentialScenario


A

B

C

D

E

F

Mixed-UseScenario

RESIDENTIAL SCENARIOS MULTI-USE SCENARIO











BY AMY SARAH DREW













BY HEZEKIAH HUDSON











BYROSEMARYBANKS


4A

WABAGUILDOPENHOUSE



NEWSPAPER

SAVANNAHNOW.COMWEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2024

LIGHT OF THE COASTAL EMPIRE

$1.00


I’ve lived in the Waters Ave corridor for most of my life. I grew up here. My husband and I cre-ated a home here. We raised our son here. I’ve seen many c h a n g e s , both good and bad. People and bus i ne ss e s have come and gone. And there have been many ef-forts to make a positive dif-ference in the community. It’s hard to believe that not too long ago this area was riddled with abandoned properties, crime, poverty and a host of other concerns. Waters Ave today reminds me of the neighborhood of my youth—children play-ing outside, families walking down the streets, thriving local businesses and a buzz of diverse activity. But with all of this change, one thing has remained the same, and that is the heart of this com-munity which continues to beat strong into the future.


A local children playing a game as part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the apartments.BY AMY SARAH DREWTwelve years ago, Garrison Properties from Kansas City purchased a 1.2-acre aban-doned property on Waters Ave. In 2014, a 40-unit afford-able housing complex opened it’s doors on the former Ro-mana Riley School building and grounds. The community was initially skeptical of the

housing development, un-sure of the implications or the effect on the community.However, over the past 10 years, the Romana Riley Apart-ments has become a beacon of positive, diverse activity and a cornerstone of the community. The complex’s resident manag-er, Mr. Elliot Moore, is an active member of WABA and the Live Oak Neighborhood Associa-

tion. Due to Mr. Moor’s partner-ships, the residents of Romana Riley have been welcomed into the community with open arms. They work in and patronize local businesses, are active members of neighborhood organizations and have helped return Wa-ters Ave to the culturally rich, safe, hopeful, family friendly community that it once was. » Story continued on 2A






The Waters Avenue corridor between Victory Dr. and Whea-ton St. has historically been an African American neighborhood and recently an area of focused revitalization efforts. However, new census data has highlighted the area as the most ethnically and economically diverse sec-tion of the City of Savannah.175TH YEAR, ISSUE 135

BY HEZEKIAH HUDSONThe people of the City of Sa-vannah have had a long-stand-ing love-hate relationship with the “It’s Amazing” strip mall on Waters Ave between 36th & 37th streets. The commu-nity is frustrated by the lack of development of the property but hopefully about it’s pos-

sibilities. Many potential in-vestors have shown interest in the building over the past several years, but none had made a purchasing bid. But all that has recently changed. Mr. Charles Jones, a local Sa-vannah businessman and real estate developer has purchased “It’s Amazing” from the City of Savannah. Mr. Jones has been a





Waters Avenue Then and Now Essay ContestGo to http://savannahnow.com/watersessaycontest for contest guidelines and submissions!

The Waters Avenue corridor has experienced some major changes over the past 10 years and we want to hear about it from you.

Send us your thoughts, ideas, memories and visions for the future of Waters Ave.

Top finalist will have their essays featured on the website and winners will be voted on by the public.

BYROSEMARYBANKS


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WABAGUILDOPENHOUSE

FRIDAYMAY31WATERSAVENUESavannah Morning News.WATERS AVENUE REVITALIZATION ANNIVERSARY ISSUESAVANNAHNOW.COM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2024LIGHT OF THE COASTAL EMPIRE

$1.00


I’ve lived in the Waters Ave

corridor for most of my life.

I grew up here. My husband and I cre-ated a home here. We raised our son here. I’ve seen many c h a n g e s , both good and bad. People and bus i ne ss e s

have come and gone. And

there have been many ef-

forts to make a positive dif-

ference in the community.

It’s hard to believe that

not too long ago this area

was riddled with abandoned

properties, crime, poverty

and a host of other concerns.

Waters Ave today reminds

me of the neighborhood of

my youth—children play-

ing outside, families walking

down the streets, thriving

local businesses and a buzz

of diverse activity. But with

all of this change, one thing

has remained the same, and

that is the heart of this com-

munity which continues to

beat strong into the future.

Romana Riley Apartments

Celebrates 10 Years


BY AMY SARAH DREW

Twelve years ago, Garrison

Properties from Kansas City

purchased a 1.2-acre aban-

doned property on Waters

Ave. In 2014, a 40-unit afford-

able housing complex opened

it’s doors on the former Ro-

mana Riley School building

and grounds. The community

was initially skeptical of the

housing development, un-

sure of the implications or

the effect on the community.

However, over the past 10

years, the Romana Riley Apart-

ments has become a beacon of

positive, diverse activity and a

cornerstone of the community.

The complex’s resident manag-

er, Mr. Elliot Moore, is an active

member of WABA and the Live

Oak Neighborhood Associa-

tion. Due to Mr. Moor’s partner-

ships, the residents of Romana

Riley have been welcomed into

the community with open arms.

They work in and patronize local

businesses, are active members

of neighborhood organizations

and have helped return Wa-

ters Ave to the culturally rich,

safe, hopeful, family friendly

community that it once was.





The Romana Riley building

has been declared a National

Historic Landmark thanks to

the collaborative efforts of a

group of residents of the Wa-

ters Ave and two graduate

students in the Historic Pres-

ervation department of SCAD.


The Waters Avenue corridor

between Victory Dr. and Whea-

ton St. has historically been an

African American neighborhood

and recently an area of focused

revitalization efforts. However,

new census data has highlighted

the area as the most ethnically

and economically diverse sec-

tion of the City of Savannah.


BY HEZEKIAH HUDSON

The people of the City of Sa-

vannah have had a long-stand-

ing love-hate relationship with

the “It’s Amazing” strip mall

on Waters Ave between 36th

& 37th streets. The commu-

nity is frustrated by the lack of

development of the property

but hopefully about it’s pos-

sibilities. Many potential in-

vestors have shown interest

in the building over the past

several years, but none had

made a purchasing bid. But

all that has recently changed.

Mr. Charles Jones, a local Sa-

vannah businessman and real

estate developer has purchased

“It’s Amazing” from the City of

Savannah. Mr. Jones has been a

strong supporter of the revital-

ization efforts in Savannah and

has been looking for an invest-

ment opportunity. Mr. Jones has

plans to divide the property into

multiple spaces for varying com-

munity uses. Mr. Jones hopes to

partner with local businesses

and organizations to provide

meeting and business spaces for

different groups and individu-

als in the Waters Ave area. The

complex could include arts and

performance spaces, meeting

rooms, a computer lab, retail

space, green areas and even a

skate park. Mr. Jones will be

holding a meeting to share his

development plans and busi-

ness model and to invite com-

munity members to become

part of the planning process.





The Waters Avenue corridor has experienced some major changes over the past 10 years and we want to hear about it from you.

Send us your thoughts, ideas, memories and visions for the future of Waters Ave.

Top finalist will have their essays featured on the website and winners will be voted on by the public.

BYROSEMARYBANKS


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WABAGUILDOPENHOUSE



Often, scenarios include a visual narrative component as a way to connect with the audience and make the projected path and stories more “real.” For this project, a mock newspaper was written with articles detailing different aspects and implications of a scenario. Due to a pending contract on the Romana Riley building, it was determined that the “Affordable Housing” scenario is the most likely development path for the property.

The newspaper, dated May 29, 2024, is an special addition highlighting the Waters Ave revitalization efforts. The feature article reports on the 10th anniversary of the opening of Romana Riley apartments and ensuing celebration. The supplemental articles and advertisements focus on the affect of the housing complex on the community.



I’ve lived in the Waters Ave corridor for most of my life. I grew up here. My husband and I created a home here. We raised our son here. I’ve seen many changes, both good and bad. People and businesses have come and gone. And there have been many efforts to make a positive difference in the community.

It’s hard to believe that not too long ago this area was riddled with abandoned properties, crime, poverty and a host of other concerns. Waters Ave today reminds me of the neighborhood of my youth—children playing outside, families walking down the streets, thriving local businesses and a buzz of diverse activity. But with all of this change, one thing has remained the same, and that is the heart of this community which continues to beat strong into the future.

ARTICLESRomana Riley Apartments Celebrates 10 Years

Twelve years ago, Garrison Properties from Kansas City purchased a 1.2-acre abandoned property on Waters Ave. In 2014, a 40-unit affordable housing complex opened it’s doors on the former Romana Riley School building and grounds. The commu-nity was initially skeptical of the housing develop-ment, unsure of the implications or the effect on the community.

However, over the past 10 years, the Romana Riley Apartments has become a beacon of posi-tive, diverse activity and a cornerstone of the community. The complex’s resident manager, Mr. Elliot Moore, is an active member of WABA and the Live Oak Neighborhood Association. Due to Mr. Moor’s partnerships, the residents of Romana Riley have been welcomed into the community with open arms. They work in and patronize local businesses, are active members of neighborhood organizations and have helped return Waters Ave to the culturally rich, safe, hopeful, family friendly community that it once was.


The people of the City of Savannah have had a long-standing love-hate relationship with the “It’s Amazing” strip mall on Waters Ave between 36th & 37th streets. The community is frustrated by the lack of development of the property but hopefully about it’s possibilities. Many potential investors have shown interest in the building over the past several years, but none had made a purchasing bid. But all that has recently changed.

Mr. Charles Jones, a local Savannah businessman and real estate developer has purchased “It’s Amazing” from the City of Savannah. Mr. Jones has been a strong supporter of the revitalization efforts in Savannah and has been looking for an investment opportunity. Mr. Jones has plans to divide the property into multiple spaces for vary-ing community uses. Mr. Jones hopes to partner with local businesses and organizations to provide meeting and business spaces for different groups and individuals in the Waters Ave area. The com-plex could include arts and performance spaces, meeting rooms, a computer lab, retail space, green areas and even a skate park. Mr. Jones will be holding a meeting to share his development plans and business model and to invite community members to become part of the planning process.


ARTICLESAccidents Down 25%

A new study has shown that traffic accidents at the intersections of Waters Ave and E. Henry and E. Anderson streets have dropped 25% over the past 10 years. Experts attribute the reduction to several factors including an increase in walking and biking traffic in the area and more activity on the local properties.









BY AMY SARAH DREW













BY HEZEKIAH HUDSON











BYROSEMARYBANKS


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BY AMY SARAH DREW













BY HEZEKIAH HUDSON











BYROSEMARYBANKS


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WABAGUILDOPENHOUSE



Riley Gets Landmark Status

The Romana Riley building has been declared a National Historic Landmark thanks to the collabor-ative efforts of a group of residents of the Waters Ave and two graduate students in the Historic Preservation department of SCAD.

Waters Ave Diversity

The Waters Avenue corridor between Victory Dr. and Wheaton St. has historically been an African American neighborhood and recently an area of focused revitalization efforts. However, new census data has highlighted the area as the most ethni-cally and economically diverse section of the City of Savannah.


NEXT STEPSThere are three main directives for moving forward on the progress made during and since the Do-ference. Those directives are:• Community engagement• Identify opportunities to scenario process (Vacant properties, development initiatives)• Identify leaders/stewards of planning process

The community needs to be exposed to the existing scenarios and process for developing future scenarios. Community dialog around using scenario planning should be encouraged and facilitated. The community can brainstorm and prioritize around opportunities to use the scenario process on properties or initiatives on the Waters Ave corridor. The Waters Ave community (and City of Savannah) should identify leaders and potential partnership opportunities in the community to steward and facilitate the scenario planning process.

Vacant properties on Waters Ave

EMPOWERING PLACERomana Riley School Building and Grounds

DMGT 740: Sustainable Practices in DesignProfessor Scott BoylstonSpring 2012

Krista SiniscarcoDesign Management, MFA candidate ‘12

empowering place

Documents

ramona riley school

school property

abandoned school building

waters avenue community

charter school

vacant building

community spaces

waters avenue corridor