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Historic Shift: The National Juneteenth Museum's Bold Move to the Southside Community Center

After facing challenges in acquiring critical land, the National Juneteenth Museum is making significant changes to its plans. On a recent evening, CEO Jarred Howard addressed local residents, proposing that the Southside Community Center could soon transform into the new home for a 50,000-square-foot museum dedicated to honoring Juneteenth.

Community Support and New Beginnings

Howard expressed his gratitude towards the residents of Historic Southside during the meeting, stating, “If we have your blessing, we can make this site our new foundation.” This shift from the original vision—intended for the location of Opal Lee's former museum—has been met with enthusiasm despite the less-than-ideal circumstances. Howard remarked, “Opal is just excited about moving forward, no matter where we end up.”

• Location Change: The new site is merely a block away from the previous proposal at Evans and Rosedale, an area also under consideration for redevelopment.
• Community Center Acquisition: If the city agrees to sell, plans include demolishing the existing structure and erecting a new building designed specifically for the museum.

Challenges Ahead

Despite a positive reception from the Historic Southside Neighborhood Association, the acquisition journey is not without its hurdles. The city had previously stated the Southside Community Center was not for sale but acknowledged that high repair costs could influence that decision. Estimates suggest the center requires approximately $9.9 million in repairs, and city officials have redirected federal funds initially allocated for these repairs to other projects.

A Building in Disrepair

Howard described the Southside Community Center as a “60-year-old building” in dire need of repairs, estimating costs could reach around $45 million. The city, however, is reluctant to invest such a substantial amount in a facility that has aged poorly.

Maintaining Community Connections

The Southside Community Center currently serves as a bustling hub for local activities, from polling places to after-school programs. When asked about the continuation of these vital services, Howard assured residents that the museum plans to maintain a “black box” space adaptable for community use. This space will include:

1. A food hall
2. A business incubator
3. Theater space

“We want to ensure that we do not pivot away from any of the community services that are essential,” Howard stated, reinforcing the museum's commitment to enhancing local community life alongside the museum's mission.

The Road to Realization

While the anticipated opening date for the museum has been pushed to 2025, Howard emphasized the importance of patience, likening the project's timeline to a pregnancy: “We’re investing $70 million into the Historic Southside, and it’s worth the wait.” He assured residents that groundbreaking would commence as soon as agreements with the city are finalized.

What Lies Ahead?

As plans evolve, so do the expectations and hopes of the community. The museum aims to raise a total of $70 million before opening, with nearly half of that going towards an operational endowment. However, complications, such as the inability to purchase certain properties, have added layers of complexity to the project.

A Community in Transition

While residents express excitement about the project, some concerns linger. Local resident Demetria Elisher pointed out potential issues like limited parking and increased foot traffic, which could disrupt the neighborhood's daily life. Howard is aware of these concerns and is proactively working on solutions with nearby businesses.

“I’m excited about the changes, but I wonder how it will affect our community,” Elisher noted, highlighting the delicate balance between progress and preservation.

What do you think?

• Is relocating the museum a wise decision for the community?
• What are your thoughts on the funding challenges for the museum?
• Do you believe the museum can coexist with existing community services without disruption?
• Should the city invest in repairing the current Southside Community Center, or is it better to build anew?
• How do you feel about the ongoing redevelopment efforts in Historic Southside?