Everyone has a place on The Block. Minority and low-income communities are often undermined in the conversation about Downtown Charlottesville's urbanization. This project uses intersectional programming and an activated ground floor to blur the distinction between privileged space and shared community space. 

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Remnant residential areas from the historic Vinegar Hill neighborhood, the Friendship Court affordable housing complex, and other working professionals south of the railroad tracks are trapped behind an urban barrier aka the Water St. parking lot. This site can connect community members by combining diverse types of occupants and creating a multi-use structure.