Hands on Architecture

In May 2007, members of design teams, their Ambassadors, and Community Members, and the entire historic South Park Neighborhood assembled for a fantastic Block Party. Mayor Rhine McLin, Commissioners Dean Lovelace and Joey Williams, AIA150 national Co-chair Tony Costello, FAIA, University of Dayton Director Rick Perales, and hosts of other community and build environment representatives applauded as the team unveiled plans for South Park's revitalization.

The design teams and their ambassadors unveiled 25 design boards to the community in the areas of Neighborhood Boundaries, Commercial Areas, Residential Infill, Residential Rehab, and Green Space. About 200 neighbors enjoyed the summer-like weather, the program, the music, and The Pizza Factory pizza during the AIA150 celebration.

From there, representative boards from the five design teams traveled to Columbus for the AIA Ohio Legislative Day, where 200 Ohio architects and legislators reviewed them during lunch in the Statehouse Atrium. Citizens viewed the 25 design concept illustrations at Dayton City Hall, before finding a permanent home with the South Park Neighborhood.

"One unexpected outcome of the Hands on America program was the resulting increased hope and community participation by neighbors. It seemed like a grand awakening from apathy. Residents began volunteering to lead initiatives, to research funding options, to write grant applications, and to take ownership of improving South Park. Many people, typically uninvolved in neighborhood endeavors, flocked to the AIA sessions and began attending neighborhood association meetings. The gift to South Park has been far greater than blueprints; it has also included optimism and a renewed sense of self-sufficiency." - Karin Manovich, president of Historic South Park Inc.