GT Dream Center Receives Funding to Propel Huge Community Impact
WEST POINT, Miss. Ensures Bright Future for Mary Holmes College
The Golden Triangle Dream Center (GT Dream Center) joins the illustrious list of the selected sites in this year’s prestigious ‘Conserving Black Modernism Program’. The selection facilitates funding aimed at preserving buildings and sites that constitute crucial aspects of black culture.
Cole Bryan, Executive Director of Golden Triangle Dream Center, has laid out an ingenious plan to utilize the funds to morph the Mary Holmes College into a beacon of solace for those seeking places to live.
Creating Affordable Housing and Preserving Heritage
“We live by our motto to find a need and fill it. This fills two needs. One, it gives people an affordable place to live, and two, it transforms a building that is deteriorating, and saves it from being demolished,” said Bryan.
The rejuvenation of Mary Holmes College Dorms could offer accommodations to around 90 families, ensuring more than just bricks and walls. The project has been brewing since 2019, affirming Bryan’s dedication and commitment.
Impacts and Endeavours of the Community Project
As per the Executive Director’s words, due to the efforts of Roger Pryor, an exemplary architect who initially introduced Brian to this project, a concatenation of events followed. Alfred Willis, an architecture historian was enlisted to aid the process, leading to the property being registered on the National Registry of Historic Places.
The Action Fund, the premier funding resource in the United States, offers an enormous sum of over 140 million dollars. Bryan profoundly appreciates the selection of a small-town edifice over other structures in bigger cities.
“It is unbelievable because we do not know how special this building is. Some people do, but not everybody does. It might be special for many different reasons. There are people all over this country that are interested in this building,” said Bryan
Addressing the Naysayers of the Project
Bryan is well aware of the nuances of his mission and the dissent it might encounter. Certain quarters may oppose affordable housing in their neighborhoods, to which he says, “I would say have a heart, there are people that are struggling and are not as fortunate as we are. If this was a need, we would not be trying to do it, so just have a heart.”
Looking Ahead: Key Milestones and Dates
The planning phase for the affordable housing project is anticipated to span about 12 months. The curtain might well rise on the final product as soon as 2027, offering a promising beacon for a future grounded in benevolent community outreach.
Endearing Hearts and Touching Lives
Bryan’s mission, primarily aimed at the betterment of his community, goes well beyond just the upliftment of the downtrodden. It comprises conservation of cultural heritage, historical preservation, and most importantly, instilling a sense of unity in the community, proving to be a testament to the mettle of human spirit and commitment.
