Derita Mural Project Cools Off

The property onwer of Zippy Ice on North Graham informed me that they were no longer confident that their wall will be suitable for a mural. This news comes 7 months after initially agreeing to host the wall art to be done by muralist Arko and artist Deborian Halsey.

Latest Concept Art for Zippy Ice Wall

But fear not, the City of Charlotte does not require this placemaking grant to be done by the end of the year so we have some breathing room to find a suitable business in the Derita area for this artwork.

Stay Tuned

Derita Bench Installed…and Destroyed

Bench Installed on the morning of July 28th

A car abruptly knocked into the Bench sometime in mid-August

The Derita Bus Stop Bench was put in place to some fanfare on July 28th. Three and a half weeks later, the Bench was subject to a car wreck. But have no fear, the damage only occured to the bottom pieces, the bench will be restored in a month or so.

During the time the bench was standing, I did 2 interviews about the project, check them out here:

Architect takes initiative to help commuters, environment - The Charlotte Post

Density Dad - Citizen Architect Promotes Community Through His Craft (substack.com)

Having both of our Placemaking Projects go left in the span of a few weeks has definitely been taxing on the will to carry on, but through these hardships, I am reminded that the real success of these projects is the community building that they have created. Through making snowflakes at community events and having neighborhoods organize plastic bag collections, the real work is in having the people that call Derita home active in making their neighborhood a better place, whether the results are seen of not. It really is the journey.

And I am very thankful to have been trusted to lead these projects, and I will try my best to do right by them when all is said and done.