The newest redevelopment project from Power House Productions, Squash House, is turning the corner from conception to a new Crowdrise fundraiser.
Sculptor
Graem Whyte hopes to raise $15,000 for the first round of renovations to the house at 13133 Klinger, which will be transformed into a neighborhood meeting place devoted to the pleasures of friendly racquet competition. Whyte says he hopes to build a "rec center that encourages the community to interact a little more through friendly competition and a community garden dedicated to squash varieties." Solar panels and rainwater collection systems will make the structure green-friendly, as well. Whyte says the Squash House hopes to open its doors by September 2012.
Substantial renovations are needed to re-imagine the Squash House from abandoned to activated. Holes in the roof will need to be patched, and the home's rafters need some work. He also plans to rebuild the back walls and replace the roof in the back section of the structure.
Given Whyte's art background, Squash House will incorporate fine art into function.
"We want to treat the house as art, as a sculpture, and we want to emphasize the space of the house. It's not going to be a literal squash court," he says. "It will be playable, but a
little warped. There will be some sculptural add-on components and we'll
warp some surfaces as well."
And in the spirit of other
Power House renovations, the basic plans will be open to input from members of the neighboring community.
"We want it to happen organically," Whyte says. "It's going to be a process, as with the other Power House projects. We want it to develop at the right pace."
Check out the Squash House's fundraising drive on
Crowdrise; become a fan of Squash House on
Facebook; or learn more about
Power House Productions.
Source; Graem Whyte, founder, The Squash House
Writer: Ashley C. Woods
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.