Can 12 teenagers turn an eyesore into a neighborhood hangout in less than a month? They can if they’re part of the inaugural Glass Street Design/Build Camp, a free two-week program for ages 12 and over. Participating on a voluntary basis, teens were led through a charette to build process by local architect, Kelly Fitzgerald and artist/sculptor, Rondell Crier.

The concept, developed the first week, is a musical playground that will beautify the space and encourage community. The temporary installation was constructed on concrete slabs of demolished buildings – property owned by Community of Christ Church, who also donated $5,000 for materials.

Besides practical knowledge like how to operate a concrete grinder or build scaled models, the campers gained soft skills like collaboration, communication and creative problem-solving – helping prepare them for the workforce. The project also fostered new relationships with area kids and the church, located across the street from GHC offices.

Ultimately, the kids created way more than an outdoor installation. They built an appreciation for their neighborhood, a sense of pride in themselves and a foundation for future success.

Outcomes:

12 kids participated
24 models assembled before build phase
30  street lights repurposed
8 power tools used by kids
$2,500 amount of donated materials
7 collaborators
10 items delivered and donated from the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
120 hours worked

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