Ubuntu: Transforming a Community Through Green Infrastructure
The South African word “ubuntu” translates to “a quality that includes essential human virtues; compassion and humility”.
It is with this in mind that Environmental Design Group collaborated with East End Neighborhood House (EENH), a non-profit service center, to reimagine and redefine a previously vacant site in the Buckeye-Woodhill neighborhood on Cleveland’s east side.
What once stood as an empty car dealership is now a community gathering space that will provide opportunities for learning, performing, and coming together. But how was this achieved?
Securing Grants and Partnerships to Realize Community Growth
East End Neighborhood House had targeted and purchased the site several years earlier to grow its footprint. As with many things, funding stood in the way of change and the property stood untouched for some time.
With the support of the St. Luke’s Foundation, EENH was finally able to move forward with its vision and engaged the services of Environmental Design Group to assist. EDG has a reputation for its ability to secure green infrastructure grants, and this project seemed a perfect match for that funding source.
Design Collaboration Unlocks Critical Grant Funding
Working with EENH and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, EDG provided master design services for the gathering space. The design included elements to match the spirit of the project while also meeting local and state regulations. A key component of the project’s success and timeline was securing a $100,000 green infrastructure grant.
Staff Training and Design Expertise: Key to Grant Success
The basic goal of green infrastructure is to capture rainwater, clean it and return it to the earth to reduce the need for treatment by cities or municipalities.
In the case of Ubuntu, this was achieved using a bioretention basin. Bioretention basins require maintenance and monitoring, but EDG’s team allotted time in the project to meet with EENH staff to instruct them on the process. Highlighting this design element provided the necessary component to secure the grant.
Discover the Impact: Watch the Ubuntu Project Video
We invite you to learn more about Ubuntu, EENH, and the impact this transformative project will have on the community by viewing this short video.
Ready to Make an Impact? Discover Sustainable Community Development
Contact us today to learn more about EDG’s site and economic development services. From securing grants to delivering thoughtful master planning and staff training, we provide comprehensive services that foster sustainable, impactful development. Let us partner with you to bring transformative projects like Ubuntu to life, creating resilient spaces that benefit both people and the environment.