UM students, majoring in a variety of academic disciplines including architecture, history and communications, have captured the history and the spirit of the community by creating oral histories, photographs, cultural maps and architectural drawings of the people and places of West Grove. Their work was showcased in an original video documentary that was shown at a community block party in May of 2000.

“The purpose of this work is to demonstrate that people and the university working together in community can make a difference in our neighborhoods,” said Professor Quraeshi. “The block party is a celebration with community groups, churches, families and students of the West Coconut Grove.”

One of the goals of the project is to assist in increasing the supply of affordable houses compatible with the history of the neighborhood. In addition to the University of Miami faculty, many individuals representing public and private organizations have provided assistance. They include Thelma Gibson, Gibson Foundation; Thelma Edwards, Southwest Coconut Grove NET; Will Johnson, Village West Homeowners and Tenants Association; Yvonne McDonald, Coconut Grove Local Development Corporation; Andy Parrish, Wind & Rain Homebuilders; and Mario Benitez, Devon Construction, Inc.

In February 2000 SOA Professor Richard Shepard, his students, and local developer Andy Parrish joined forces to break ground for the project’s first affordable single family home on historic Thomas Avenue. Construction on the home began in early March and was completed in November. It is the first student-designed and built house to be produced by the School of Architecture.

According to Professor Quraeshi, the West Coconut Grove Case Study reflects the efforts of not only faculty and students within the university, but the motivation and desire of people in the community. “This is an ongoing partnership, the beginning of a network between community groups, churches, schools, families, and the university. Together, we are engaged in a process that moves beyond the classroom, beyond design to understand what community is all about – how it came to be, how it is today, and how its future can be guided in a positive, fulfilling and sustainable way.”

The ribbon cutting ceremony took place at the finished house on November 6 of last year, prior to the move of new residents Mary Colzie and her two daughters Terri and Sherri Tarver.

Above: Design for new house on Thomas Avenue