Making a Difference: GT Dream Center Receives Crucial Funding
The Golden Triangle (GT) Dream Center, situated in the heart of West Point city, has been selected as one of the eight prominent sites for this year’s influential Conserving Black Modernism Program. The initiative provides funds to safeguard and revitalize buildings and sites that encapsulate significant aspects of black culture.
Purposeful Renovation of Mary Holmes College
Cole Bryan, Executive Director of the Golden Triangle Dream Center, deliberates over how the funds will revitalize the historic Mary Holmes College. “The mission of the GT Dream Center has always been to find a need and fill it. This opportunity allows us to fulfill two pressing needs — firstly, providing an affordable living option for people, and secondly, saving a deteriorating building from demolition,” Bryan said.
The dormitories of Mary Holmes College are envisioned to be transformed into housing spaces for up to 90 families. Bryan shared that this project had been in progress for some time: “We initiated this project back in 2019. This initiative was introduced to us by Roger Pryor, an architect, which led us to collaborate with Alfred Willis, an architectural historian, to get this property listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.”
Gratitude for The Action Fund
The Action Fund, the largest funding resource in the U.S. with over 140 million dollars to disburse, has made this project possible. Bryan expressed deep gratitude and excitement for their building being selected over those in larger cities. “It’s truly remarkable that a building in our small town was chosen. It’s a testament to the cultural significance of this building, which, regrettably, is not known or appreciated by all. However, there are people nationwide who hold vested interest in this structure,” stated Bryan.
A Plea to the Community
Addressing potential backlash from those opposed to affordable housing in their neighborhoods, Bryan appeals to their compassion: “Have a heart. There are individuals who are struggling and are not as fortunate as some of us. The existence of this project is testament enough to the need for it. Please, just show some compassion.”
The planning project for the affordable housing transition is slated to be in progress over the next 12 months, with the objective of completion by no later than 2027. For those watching the progress of this project, Bryan suggests following them on Facebook for 24/7 updates and news.
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