The Edgewater Initiative

Location: Lockart, Florida

Program: Affordable Housing and Community Center designed in collaboration with Daniel Trent

This project is a community located in Lockhart, Florida adjacent to Lockhart Elementary school. Lockhart has an average of 3 people per home and 49% of families have children under the age of 18, therefore living at home and in the school system. Due to these statistics and the proximity of the site to Lockhart Elementary, this community is aimed towards providing housing that accommodates families with multiple children that attend school in the area. A centralized community design was utilized with all 12 units revolving around a private, common green space for residents. Also on site is a Student Outreach and Development Center offering after school activities for residents as well as all the children of Lockhart.

Of the 12 units, 6 are 3 bedroom/2 bath and 6 and 4 bedroom/2 bath. Units are arranged in duplexes, creating 6 buildings total with a passage in between each unit leading to the central green space. There is a standard first floor with the kitchen and common areas as well as the master bedroom.

Lockhart Elementary has reported its testing proficiency scores as lower than the national average, leading it to be in the bottom 50% of schools in Florida. Because of these low ratings, Florida Statutes require the school board to implement School wide improvement plans, or SIPs, and enable progress. These initiatives include culturally responsive education, social and emotional interaction, and increased proficiency in math, science, and reading.

This site, which is across the street from Lockhart Elementary, includes the abandoned Lions Club Fire Station. This building presents the opportunity to be repurposed and revitalize the site for not only the residents on site but all children of Lockhart. With a student population of 450, 65% of students attending Lockhart Elementary are economically disadvantaged. This building has been repurposed into a Student Outreach and Development Center offering after school activities due to its proximity to Lockhart Elementary. This program would offer tutoring, physical activities, and artistic expression in order to satisfy the SIPs initiative and to serve the school.

The duplexes revolve around a private, common green space for residents establshing a centralized community design. With structures facing inwards, a shared backyard and sense of community is established. Here, children can play with others from the neighborhood while families keep an eye from their homes.

Due to the presence of children in this family community the road is along the perimeter of the site, allowing the inner, central greenery to be a safe space for children and play. Pedestrian paths become the primary system of circulation in the area. These paths lead residents from their doors to communal spaces and greens, such as the central greenery, the green space for the renovated lions club, and the mural walls to the West.

The mural walls at the student outreach center create a boundary between the forestry and the built environment while also functioning as an interactive installation for Lockhart. The art panels can be removed to be exhibited elsewhere, such as Lockhart Elementary, and replaced with new surfaces for other students to contribute to.