2017 Film Challenge Finalists

Title: Re-Envisioning the Florence Gray Center

Category: Community Revitalization

Description: The Florence Gray Center is located in Newport, RI. It was built in the 1970's to support members of the community that live in its vicinity. The center is located in the North End of Newport, an area that has been neglected and overlooked by the powers that be for generations. Recently, members of the community have advocated for change, looking to city leaders to revitalize their neighborhoods to stimulate economic growth while leaving neighborhoods intact and empowering residents. Through a grant funded by various organizations, Newport was able to bring in a catalyst - Edward Mitchell, who was at that time, a professor at the Yale University School of Architecture. He held design workshops with local high school students to reimagine the neighborhoods of the North End, as well as the Florence Gray Center. He also hosted community events, such as a panel discussion and working lunch sessions with members of the community and various architects and urban planners from the Boston area. He also held forums with city leaders and community members. The students from the local high school, designed a reimagined Florence Gray Center, with support from graduate students from Yale School of Architecture to create a working model that would serve as a springboard for future designs. Following the week residency, the community has not only become infused with hope for their community, but conversations with architects, residents and city leaders are beginning to happen. The new Florence Gray Center is now a reality and no longer a dream. Plans are underway to design and build a new center, which will rise from the dreams and hopes, as well as the designs of the community.