RIVER FRONT DEVELOPMENT GROUP
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization
“We should reach back and gather the best of what our past has to teach us, so that we can achieve our full potential as we move forward.”
Current Projects include:
The City as Classroom: The Berry Temple Community and STEAM Academy (2020-present);
The African-American Cultural & Heritage District and Trail;
the Museum and Arts Center at Stephens-Lee (2010-present);
the East End / Valley Street Neighborhood History Kiosk at Stephens-Lee
A New Experience
Demarcus and Marquise King are brothers who approached a new experience, like many young people, with reluctance. When they met, through Zoom, with other youngsters their age, you could see the interest begin to shine through. They really lit up when they received their tools for this project.
Their first project was to build a toolbox to hold their new tools. Using their tools to put the box together was fun. With a little guidance they finished the task and were pleased with the result. They painted their boxes, one a little psychedelic, the other was one color, peach. After this they were ready for other projects.
Using his creative flair, Demarcus made a monkey with a huge red mouth and oversized black ears. He even had to laugh at it. Marquise made a snail. They both used pipe cleaners and wire.
They are both looking forward to their next artistic endeavor. Reluctance has been eliminated and replaced with genuine interest.
Berry Temple Community and STEAM Academy
—from Demarcus and Marquise's grandparent
The City as Classroom: The Berry Temple Community and STEAM Academy (2020-present)
Made possible by funders, enabling all students to attend on full scholarship.
About STEAM Academy (currently serving 18 students):
A glimpse at our STEAM curriculum for 2021
In-development Architecture module for 2021
Our generous funders are: Dogwood ION Grant, Ray Charles Foundation, WNC Bridge Foundation, and the Dogwood Health Trust. We thank you.
Our sponsors and partners include the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County, UNC-Asheville STEAM Studio, and the Asheville Chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Artists. We thank you.
OVERVIEW of
The African-American Cultural & Heritage District and Trail;
& the Museum and Arts Center at Stephens-Lee (2010-present)
The African-American Cultural Heritage District Proposal is a placemaking project that combines historic community-based cultural heritage and economic development. The District would include and connect the historically African-American Eagle-Market Street, East End, the South Slope and Southside communities.
The intended result of establishing the District is to serve as a catalyst for a renaissance of African American social and business enterprise in Asheville. The renaissance will in part, be made possible through the District itself establishing Asheville as an African-American heritage tourism destination.
The District Proposal has its roots in East End community meetings from 2010, in which native residents asserted their desire for recognition and celebration of not only the legacy of the legendary Stephens-Lee High School, its teachers, and graduates, but also the entire African-American community. The District Proposal is aligned with City and County visions for equity, greenways, public art, and much more. The District Proposal is aligned with Ashevivve-Buncombe Tourism Development Authority's (TDA) vision for its grants projects. Representatives of the Proposal are actively engaged in collaborations with the City and TDA.
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) has funded both the trail and museum. We thank you.
Our sponsors and partners on the museum include the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County and Asheville Chapter of the American Institute fo Graphic Artists, and the Asheville Chapter of American Institute of Architects. We thank you.
Partial funding of museum furnishings made possible through a City of Asheville Strategic Partnership Grant.
the East End / Valley Street Neighborhood History Kiosk at Stephens-Lee
A in-progress colloborative project made possible by the East End / Valley Street Neighborhood, City of Asheville, Federal Community Development Block Grant, and River Front Development Group. Check back for updates in Spring 2021.
News and public and related events for these projects
About STEAM Academy (currently serving 18 students):
A glimpse at our STEAM curriculum for 2021
In-development Architecture module for 2021
History projects funding announcement:
https://www.ashevillecvb.com/bctda-approves-nearly-10-million-in-funding-for-six-community-projects/
History projects overview and timeline:
https://www.ashevillecvb.com/aaht/
Press coverage:
https://mountainx.com/news/local-nonprofits-resurrect-ashevilles-african-american-history/
Events:
https://www.ashevillecvb.com/event/creative-sector-summit-opening-reception-2019/
Museum design charrette for Stephens-Lee High School students (alumni)