For this project my studio had the opportunity to travel to Wilmington, NC for the AIA Activate Conference. We were able to participate in a charrette addressing the feasibility of relocating an existing freight rail corridor that currently runs through the heart of the city to a safe, more direct route. The existing freight line would then be utilized as a public transit system connecting the North and South side to Downtown Wilmington. Through this study we had the opportunity to talk to residents in the South Side of Wilmington who are affected by the freight line every day. Many of their concerns had to do with safety and easier access to more affordable and healthy grocery stores. Working with a fellow studio member, our concept revitalized an abandoned building from WWII as an affordable grocery with a small cafe and community garden. This potential grocery would be where the proposed trolley line would make the turn into downtown becoming a hub for activity and making the neighborhood a safer place to be. (Indoor rendering by Gabi Purdue, outside rendering by Madison Bose.)

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Class: Public Interest Design Studio

Professor: Bryan Bell

Collaboration: Madison Bose