Talk. Listen. Resolve.

Community Mediation Program

Community Mediation Program’s Building Committee is engaged in a three-part renovation of our community center building.

 

Exterior                               Façade Design                WBAL coverage

Community Mediation Program was the anchor site for the winning Baltimore application to the HGTV Change the World, Start at Home contest.  Rebuilding Together Baltimore and HGTV did an exterior renovation of the building in the last week of April 2008.  The exterior makeover will include a cash investment of over $25,000 and an additional in-kind investment of over $100,000, via donated skilled labor & materials.  The project list includes, free of charge: painting, signage, awnings, energy efficient doors and windows, wheelchair ramping, fencing, mural rehab, and courtyard resurfacing.  A partial list of  vendors, contractors, artists, funders, and groups that are contributing to making the massive project happen, as of May, includes: Baltimore Green Construction; Clark Construction; Dr. Bob Hieronymous; The Meyerhoff Foundation; Pella Windows; Chesapeake Sign; and Hoffman Awnings.  Mural restoration and detail work will continue through Spring 2008.

 

Interior                                First Floor Design          Second Floor Design

An interior build out has been conceptually designed, and fundraising is in process. The second floor will be built out into useable office and mediation space (it is currently a small mezzanine from the building’s days as a nightclub).  Our partners in the design and execution of the project are making significant in-kind donations, including: Neighborhood Design Center; Rubeling & Associates; Gensler Architects; Ayres Saint Gross Architects & Planners; Struever Brothers Eccles & Rouse; & Engineering & Technical Consultants.  Recently a Capital Bond Bill was approved for $175,000 toward the project. 

 

Peace Garden                   Draft Peace Garden Design

Funded by a generous $100,ooo grant from the TKF Foundation, the Peace Garden will provide a refuge from the bustle of Greenmount Avenue, and a lush, natural setting for reflection and healing for those actively and heart-wrenchingly engaged in the movement against violence.

The Peace Garden design has not yet been finalized, but a draft by Joan Floura and Jeremy Frederick of Floura Teeter, include desire for:

q Visual continuity with the brickwork and mural on the building,

q Trees creating a peaceful canopy,

q A secure and open-feeling entrance,

q A semi-private meditation area, and

q A gathering circle made from either built-in benches or seats, or a low wall/ledge, in which peaceful dialogue, community gatherings, and conflict resolution training can take place.

Construction has begun and will continue throughout summer 2008.