Thanks to Jesse Steele and Chestnut Hill Troop 221 scouts, the Community Studio planned at the BuildaBridge House is on its way to becoming reality. To achieve his Eagle Scout rank in Boy Scouts, Jesse planned

the site clean-up project and organized 30 troop members and adults in late June 2007 to clean out the back yard by the Carriage House. The Carriage House will become a Community Studio for Visual and Performing Arts that Buildabridge will use to serve Philadelphia area at-risk youth and others. The project included removing a broken 20-year-old stockade fence, moving a large pile of wood and debris, relocating compost and dirt to create 3 large raised container vegetable gardens, and digging an 8' x 8' foot hole for a concrete foundation and structure to house recyclables and refuse.
 

 

 

 

Once cleaned, BuildBridge House resident Luis McPherson, along with John Austin erected a privacy fence and prepared the garden area for outdoor gatherings (top picture).

With a grant from the Community Design Collaborative of Philadelphia, architectural plans are being drawn to renovate the carraige house that now hosts work area on the first floor and a studio apartment on the second floor into a functioning community art and therapy studio.

 

The total project is expected to be completed by 2009 and will provide needed services to the community, restore facilities in much needed repair, and provide a beautiful and restful space.

 

 

Jesse Steele. Thanks.