Project H.O.O.D. Outdoor Space Transformation Celebration
Project H.O.O.D.’s Outdoor Space Receives Beautification Transformation
Preparing for the big day
Pastor Corey B. Brooks
On September 18th, Project H.O.O.D. hosted a warm celebration and gathering to welcome the community, partners, and sponsors to the Chicago Architecture Biennial (CAB) Project H.O.O.D. installation - Woodlawn Canopies; Stories and Futures.
Project H.O.O.D.’s outdoor space at 6615 South King Drive in Chicago is the former location of a crime-ridden motel. The motel attracted the worst elements in the community and was a drain on the neighborhood’s morale and safety.
Ten years ago, New Beginnings Church’s senior pastor Corey Brooks did something. He camped out on the roof of the motel for 94 days to bring awareness to the neglect Woodlawn was facing. It was during this time that he founded Project H.O.O.D. and prayed for success. Project H.O.O.D.’s mission is to help others obtain destiny by bringing resources, opportunities, and upliftment to neglected areas of our city and community.
Pastor Brooks raised enough money for New Beginnings Church to purchase the land and demolish the motel. Since then, Project H.O.O.D. has hosted several community events at the outdoor space; basketball tournaments, an annual Harvest Fest, and many others.
Aerial image of the installation of Woodlawn Canopies, Photo: Negin Moayer
Chicago-based partners, Norman Teague and Ebere Agwuncha of Norman Teague Design Studios and architect Negin Moayer from BNMO Design, have joined Pastor Corey Brooks of Project H.O.O.D. and New Beginnings Church to beautify the outdoor space.
The celebration included a visual sound performance with local artists,Kelechi Agwuncha andBen LaMar Gay. The location of Project H.O.O.D.’s outdoor space will house the new Project H.O.O.D. Leadership and Economic Center.