MLK Jr Blvd and Person

One of several primary entrances into Downtown is Hammond Avenue, a flying roadway over the beltline, past the dog food plant. When Hammond hits South Park, the road name changes to Person Street, five one-way blocks of small-house residential. Residents sit on porches, bike on the sidewalks, cross the streets in the middle of blocks.

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After these blocks, PERSON crosses Martin Luther King Jr. BLVD. On these four corners are: Shaw University, a one-story house, a two-story brick house, and a FOR SALE sign.

We’ve spent a good amount of time reviewing development opportunities on the lots that are for sale. This is 1.2 acres, with additional land available, that we believe should be a premium site for redevelopment. Besides the obvious absence of housing in the area, the University alone should command student housing and services on this immediately convenient lot. We’ve started work with one potential developer at this location, and we are enthusiastic about the opportunity to be involved in the design and improvement of this location.

Many southern cities have Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The long name alone is a potent reminder of this man who dreamed and dared to tell us what he saw. The active history in this city obviously runs deeper than my attendance here. But, I feel the significance, driving on PERSON, as I cross the memory of the man who had to remind us that he was one.

And, I’m conscious of this undeveloped lot. My lesser dream is that the property commands a premium price among competing bidders. I hope our design will do justice to the memory of the man, it represents meaning to persons, and perpetuates potential of the place.