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Eight weeks ago, Asheville Transit Director Bruce Black knew a bus shelter being designed by Shiloh community residents would be special, but beyond that, he wasn't sure what to expect.
"This situation was unique from the start because we had such dedicated involvement from the residents," says Black. "Combined with the goals of Neighborhood Housing Services, the help of a non-profit architectural firm and eight architecture students, exciting ideas came to life." Although residents wanted a bus shelter next to the neighborhood's park and community center for some time, the project gained momentum when Raleigh-based Design Corps hooked up with Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) to facilitate its annual student summer project. Eight architecture students from UNC Charlotte, Virginia Tech, Syracuse University and the University of Virginia spearheaded the project with support from Shiloh residents and NHS as well as other organizations like AB Tech and the city of Asheville. "The students gave shape to what was in the hearts and minds of the residents," says Brian Bell, executive director of Design Corps. "They helped translate the neighborhood's vision." Residents wanted the bus shelter to serve as a gateway to the park and a neighborhood landmark while providing a relaxing place to wait for the bus or to just sit and rest. The design resulted in a bus shelter that literally funnels pedestrians to the park and takes advantage of a natural stream in the area. The students have been building the shelter with support and facilities donated by AB Tech, and the shelter is scheduled for an opening celebration on Friday, July 29 at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and citizens are encouraged to attend to see the finished shelter. But before the official ribbon cutting takes place, some special craftsmanship will add the finishing touches. "We all wanted the young people in the neighborhood to have some ownership in shelter, and so we came up with a way that will allow them to add their creative touch," explains Barbara Verni-Lau of NHS. "They are going to create their own concrete tiles with artwork, hand prints and initials that will be used as the shelter's foundation." Kids participating in the Shiloh Community Center's summer playground program will craft their tiles Wednesday, July 27 from 2-4 p.m. at the center located at 121 Shiloh Rd.
"This has been a true community effort. My partners and I have been overwhelmed by the level of support here," says Bell, who operates Design Corps with Seth Hendler-Voss and Scott Ball. "We've been calling Asheville the place of no resistance." For information about Design Corps, contact Bell at (919) 637-2804. For more information about NHS and the Shiloh Community Bus Shleter, contact Barbara Verni-Lau at (828) 215-8073. To learn more about the Shiloh Neighborhood Association and its involvement with the bus shelter project, contact Joan Martinez at (828) 274-2431. (Images provided by Barbara Verni-Lau.)
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