There is a vacant lot on Imperial Avenue (between 28th and 29th Street) that has been an eye sore in the community for years. The property owner, Derrick Gilliam, has granted BAME CDC permission to develop the lot for the benefit of the community. Building upon on-going work to develop the business corridor and beautify a nearby alley, BAME CDC has teamed up with Space4Art to engage neighborhood residents and youth in this community-build project.

 

Together, we will transform this lot into a vibrant community gathering space. The project is coordinated by a steering committee of neighborhood residents and non-profit partners. The steering committee is working closely with the design team, a partnership between local youth from King Chavez Community High School and professional artists/ designers from Space 4 Art. They are working together to collect widespread community input and translate the community vision into a design and execution plan for the project. The steering committee and design team are now gathering the necessary materials, tools, and volunteers to successfully build this community gathering space. 

 

The Gilliam Family Community Gathering Place will be an important outdoor space in the heart of the neighborhood, where residents can play, relax, or attend various community events. It will also benefit the local business owners by providing a space for customers to sit outside and enjoy their meal. The site will also feature a demonstration garden where residents can learn about and participate in urban gardening. 

 

This community gathering space will connect residents throughout the neighborhood and provide a much needed programming and event space for various community groups. Local students will be active participants throughout the project, helping to conduct neighborhood outreach and engaging in hands-on STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, art & math).