Hester Street worked with Re:land to develop engagement and placekeeping strategies to inform neighborhood development and redevelop the 17-acre site of the former Rhodia chemical plant into culturally rich, socially just, and sustainable housing for all. With an estimated 600 units and abundant retail and commercial space, it will be an economic boost to the West End and the pathway from the airport to Downtown.
This redevelopment is an opportunity to model government and community collaboration that facilitates truth telling, centers the voices and priorities of Black and Brown communities, and leads to action and accountability. The project will contain mixed use, mixed income housing, as well as commercial and workforce opportunities alongside ample green space.
As part of the work, Hester Street engaged a 30-member Community of Opportunity made up of neighborhood youth, seniors, local businesses, civic organizations, educators, health care providers, housing partners, and more to help us understand what is great about this community and collectively build a shared vision for neighborhood change.