PRESENT
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Corner of golden st.
and main st.
These pictures show the building at the corner
of Golden Street and Main Street. At one time
the building was helping the city of Bridgeport
by holding businesses. Unfortunately, all the
building does now is take up space. Also, there
are many problems with this space. There is
garbage around the building and the lights are
broken and pulled out of place. When we are
finished with this project, this building will be in
better shape.
THE TEAM
Daniel Leszczynski, Jonathan Konecny,
Jacinda Larrea, Egypt Walker
FUTU R E
The BUILDING today
OUR PROPOSAL:
The building at the corner of Golden Street and Main
Street is very old and rundown. We plan to renovate this
building to help restore Bridgeport to its original state.
We would renovate this building to become an apartment
building.This complex would help small business investors
buy inexpensive but high quality housing close to their new
business. If our proposal is approved, Bridgeport would
change for the better.
After many years of being
abandoned, the building has become
very rundown.
The Red Carpet Apartments will be very affordable, and in
order to live here, the tenants will have to make sure the
renters keep their apartments in great condition, so it looks
nice for the future tenants. An affordable, monthly rent is due
on the last day of every month. There will be different
apartment sizes for various budgets. There will be different
packages that you can opt into in order to have access to
facilities that are not in the standard package. This apartment
building will bring people together from different backgrounds
and businesses into one place to collaborate on many different
opportunities and really help out the city of Bridgeport.
Our apartment building will be modern and up-to-date. It will
have environmentally friendly structures such as solar
panels and a nearby wind turbine near the area to light the
hallways and pool area at night or on dark days. In order to
promote a healthy lifestyle it will have an outdoor pool on the
ground floor and a garden on the roof. To take part in the
gardening and fun in the pool, tenants pay a low, extra fee that
will go toward the upkeep of the facilities. Every floor will have
a balcony so that the owners can watch the scenic view. It will
have an exercise room so that the tenants can stay in shape.
There will also be a coffee shop, small restaurant, and a
general store on the ground floor of the building. These
amenities will be in walking distance so that the tenants will not
have to own a car, can stay put in one area, and get all the
necessities they need. Even though this building is rundown
now, apartments and shops will be the best fit for this building
in the future.
FUTURE PLANS
The Red Carpet apartment is “eco”
friendly by using solar power to
help save electricity. It has
landscaping around the building.
artwork by Jacinda
The project will have many benefits for Bridgeport. It will allow
people to be able to have a good and safe home for an
inexpensive cost. The building will help people in need and help
them if they are in hard times. I think this is one of the best
establishments that Bridgeport will ever accomplish when they
allow us to do our project. Our idea will be inexpensive to build
and will last a long time. The fact that the building is ecofriendly and cheap will draw people from all over because many
people are looking for homes just like this. The building will be
a big hit because many people will want
to live here.
FUTURE PLANS
The renovated building will have a
rooftop garden and an outdoor pool
facility.
rendering by Daniel
THE RED CARPET APARTMENTS
PRESENT
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1200 Main STreet
1200 Main Street is abandoned. On the
outside it looks like it is in good shape. It has
some graffiti on the front, no broken
windows, nothing damaged. On the inside it
is dusty with clutter on the floor. This part is
mostly in need of repair. There is a tree on
the sidewalk in front of the building. Besides
this, there is no other vegetation. It appears
that this building used to contain a beauty
salon.
THE TEAM
Aaliyah Corriette, Jaidyn Johnson, Patrick Tennant,
Devin Allen, Zyanna Wright
The BUILDING today
F U T U RE
The outside is fairly intact, however the
interior is in need of repair.
OUR PROPOSAL:
Currently, the building located on 1200 Main
Street is abandoned. This building looks fairly intact
on the outside. The inside of the building is rundown,
out-of-date, and is in desperate need of restoration.
Our group decided to keep the building the way it is and
make a mini-market out of it. We decided this because it
would provide people who live in the city the chance to
come and shop for anything they need such as clothes,
food, and other necessities. We also plan on putting a
book store and even an outdoor cafe on the roof where
people can sit with their coffee and read. We also plan on
making this a very modern-themed market. It will be
designed for today’s culture of people.
FUTURE PLANS
We are helping the community by
selling food, basic clothing and shoes
at affordable prices. We will also
have a rooftop cafe with soft music
playing.
drawing by Devin
We predict the cost of fixing the building and making it
look nicer will be great, but it is worth it for people to be
able to shop in the community in which they live. People
who live in Bridgeport will spend their money in
Bridgeport, helping its economy. We decided to preserve
it because it would cost too much money to knock it down.
It is also much easier to get investors to help clean it up
and make it a healthier environment.
As for the environmental part, we plan on putting solar
panels on the roof to help with the cost of electricity. Also,
we will use Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs. The cafe on
the roof of our building will be powered by the solar
panels. This will reduce the energy bill and add an
Eco- friendly and modern feel. In conclusion,
this will be the best mini-market ever made.
FUTURE PLANS
The mini market will provide local
residents with a place to buy food
and other necessities.
MINI-MARKET
rendering by Aaliyah
PRESENT
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The POLI PALACE THEATER
The Poli Palace Theater in Bridgeport, CT,
was built in 1922 and closed down in 1971.
This structure is still standing but is
vacant. The exterior of the building
reflects its poor condition because it
needs new windows and a new door, but
the stone it was made out of is fine. Once
the windows are added, they will highlight
the beauty of the designs.
THE TEAM
Shaniya Mowatt, Janiah Mcphail, Erin Reilly,
Justin Blanchette
The BUILDING today
The front of the Poli Palace
has a beautiful stone structure
but needs work.
F U T U RE
OUR PROPOSAL:
AT 1325 Main Street in Bridgeport,
Connecticut, is a beautiful theater named Poli’s
Palace. When you look at the outside it looks just
like an old building that was once something
important, but the inside is what is breathtaking.
There is no doubt that everything about Poli’s
Palace is amazing. It could be one of the most
unique theaters around, just like in the 1900’s.
Once it became too expensive to continue to
maintain, it was allowed to fall into a state of
disrepair. Now Bridgeport has the opportunity to
have this theater reopen and become a center for
the arts once again. Let us explain how.
FUTURE PLANS
We would like to see more plants
and trees around the theater. The
outside would be painted, and the
inside would be restored back to its
original form. Solar panels would help
to power the theater to save cost and
maintenance.
artwork by Shaniya
It would be a mistake to knock the theater down
because it is a beautiful building and there is
simply no need to. It is better to refurbish this
beautiful space. We are planning to refurbish the
theater but will still give patrons the old-fashioned,
movie-goers experience. We are going to put a big
billboard that will announce which movies are
playing. We plan to refresh the facade and to make
the building aesthetically pleasing from the street.
The inside has very elaborate decorations and that
is part of what makes this theater so special and
unique. The old-fashioned vibe should always be
there, so we are going to modernize the theater
without taking its original look and feel away. We
will put in new movie screens, new seats, carpets,
and it will be re-painted. We would also add a snack
bar. We will address health and safety concerns
before it goes under any construction.
FUTURE PLANS
The building will have a new billboard
that will show the movies that are
playing as well as new doors and
windows.
rendering by Justin
We will create an old-fashioned movie theater
experience because it is more interesting going
to a unique movie theater instead of going to just
any ordinary theater. Just because new and better
materials are created, it doesn’t mean that the old
ones have to disappear. We live in a world where
basically everything looks the same and it’s a nice
change to see something different every once in a
while.
RENOVATED MOVIE THEATER
PRESENT
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The Majestic theater
The Majestic Theater displays
wonderful craftsmanship in the ornate
carvings. The once beautiful stained glass
windows are now all boarded up. Now
waiting for repairs, the Majestic opened in
1922 and was boarded up in 1971. There
is fencing and barbed wire to protect and
show where The Poli and Majestic
Theaters divide.
THE TEAM
Michael Draper, Isaiah Shelton, Sisso Makhraz,
Tracey Small, Rachael Anzalone
F U T U RE
The BUILDING today
The Majestic is currently waiting for
repairs since it was boarded up in 1971.
OUR PROPOSAL:
We will turn the Majestic, which is a broken down
abandoned theater, into a shelter. The shelter is located on
North Main Street and across from an abandoned green.
The shelter will provide people with no place to go the
opportunity to improve their lives. There will be a big sign
that says, “Come on in if you need to restart your life. We
will help you all the way!” It will be called Lend A Helping
Hand. They will not have to pay any rent, and in return,
they will work in the shelter by cleaning, cooking and
performing chores to help the facility. We welcome
people from different educational backgrounds. If the
shelter is established in Bridgeport, it will give the citizens
of Bridgeport who are struggling a chance to go out into
the world and contribute to society.
FUTURE PLANS
Lend a Helping Hand is a shelter
open to all in need. We provide three
meals a day and a warm bed. It will
be a home away from home.
artwork by Tracey
We will make improvements to The Majestic. The exterior
of the shelter will remain as it currently is with only
minor repairs. The interior will be renovated to
accommodate small basic rooms, each including a bed
and dresser. There will be larger rooms to accommodate
families. Added to that, there will be playgrounds for
children and classrooms in which basic skills are taught
such as plumbing, electrical work, cosmetology, and
carpentry. These classes will be available to those who are
associated with the shelter and anyone who is willing to
work to make money.
The Shelter will open the door to a new life. The shelter will
provide people who are down on their luck a place
to stay while they are working on starting over. This will
be beneficial to Bridgeport because it will help people
who may currently live on the streets. Also, it will give
people the skills necessary to obtain a job in the
community, which will then give the people of Bridgeport
the financial means to purchase goods and services.
FUTURE PLANS
The refurbished building will have a
new billboard above it, and we will
restore the architecture back to its
original glory.
rendering by Sisso
LEND A HELPING HAND SHELTER
PRESENT
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Empty Lot across from
the majestic theater
These pictures show weeds, litter, and the emptiness
of the lot. To the right is an abandoned building with
graffiti. The building to the left is a housing complex for
the elderly, and every day they look out their windows
to the deserted lot. One picture shows the view of the
once beautiful Majestic Theater overlooking the
abandoned lot that once had life. The conveniently
located bus stop, which could make so much business,
is abandoned, but it soon will have life. This is an
example of two abandoned buildings that could
potentially help the empty lot.
THE TEAM
Olivia Albenze, Max Kaufman, Sean McKenzie,
Carlos Vazquez
F U T U RE
The LOT today
The space is currently abandoned and
empty and can be better utilized for
Bridgeport’s community.
OUR PROPOSAL:
Our group has decided that the best thing for
Bridgeport would be to build an apartment complex in the
empty lot across from the Majestic Theater. This will be a
challenge, but it will provide many opportunities for the
people of Bridgeport. In addition, a community will form
out of the jobs and housing provided by the building.
The current condition of the property is not the best.
The land is empty and abandoned, and it is not being used
for anything. There are multiple pieces of litter that could
be labeled as hazardous. On the left of the lot is an
abandoned building and on the right, a housing complex.
We propose to create a building in this empty lot to help
the city of Bridgeport. There will be apartments on the
second floor of the building and a small set of boutique
shops with different stores on the main floor. These may
include a tailoring or tuxedo shop, a small drugstore,
a deli/sandwich shop, and a boutique shop.
FUTURE PLANS
This will be a three-part building. One
section will be apartments, another
section will be a restaurant, and the
last section will be stores. This is a
good idea because it has all the
necessities in one location. This will
help Bridgeport by providing jobs for
people in the community.
artwork by Carlos
The apartments will be inexpensive and a nice place to
live. A modern lobby will greet people in the front of the
building. The apartments themselves will be single
bedroom/bath and will be perfect for single, young
professionals. Anyone who lives in the building or around
it will have the advantage of being very close to a unique
shopping experience. A restaurant/bar will provide a
dining and social experience not only for the people who
live in the building but for anyone who would like a night
out.
Bridgeport will gain many benefits from this building. The
new stores and apartments will draw in young
professionals. Businesses will want to come to
Bridgeport because of the growing number of young
people. The city will gain revenue because more
people will come to Bridgeport. All these
elements will contribute to making the city of
Bridgeport up-to-date, creative, interesting
and all-around better.
FUTURE PLANS
This rendering displays our plan for
the future of the lot. The apartments
are above the first floor shops, and
there is a restaurant in the back.
rendering by Olivia
APARTMENT complex
PRESENT
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MAIN ST. BETWEEN
GOLD AND CONGRESS
The abandoned building on Main Street
between Gold and Congress Streets still
shows an ad for an upholstery company
called Davidsons and once was a boys
club. From years of sitting empty, there
are broken windows, decaying bricks,
and dust and debris. On one side of the
building there is colorful graffiti.
THE TEAM
Gwyneth Feroleto, Ajanae Bullock, Abner Torres,
Geniaya Stinston
The BUILDING today
F U T U RE
After years of neglect, the building is in
desperate need of repair.
OUR PROPOSAL:
We believe the abandoned building on Main Street,
between Gold Street and Congress Street, would better
serve Bridgeport if renovated. The current condition of
the property is that the windows are broken, the roof is
caving in and there is dust and debris throughout the
entire building. Additionally, the property has garbage
scattered everywhere. This creates an eyesore in
Bridgeport.
To make it a valuable part of the community, we will make
a school that specializes in the arts. We will knock down
the current building and then build a new one. It is fine to
knock down the current building because it is unattractive,
old, and the space would not work well as a school.
FUTURE PLANS
The school will be a place for kids to
be creative. The building itself will
be creatively designed with
interesting diamond windows and
colorful and educational graffiti.
Students will have an exhilarating
place to learn.
artwork by Ajanae
The new school will have many opportunities for students.
There will be dance classes including jazz, hip hop,
classical ballet, Irish step and tap. Also there will be art
rooms for studies in sculpture, graphics, painting and
drawing. In addition, there will be space for musical
theater. All these features would create a perfect learning
environment for any student who wants to study dance,
art or theater.
If we changed the abandoned building into a school, it
would serve many people. For one thing, it would provide a
place for people to focus their studies on the arts. Also, it
would make a more diverse community of dancers, actors
and musicians. The central location provides yet another
great benefit; students could easily have a way to get to
school by train or bus. It also could help the BGreen
Initiative by adding school-maintained garden and solar
panels for electricity. To conclude, making this school
would benefit the community by adding
beauty, diversity and eco-friendly aspects.
FUTURE PLANS
We will make a new school with a
playground, solar panels and a
garden.
rendering by Gwyneth
SPECIALIZED ARTS SCHOOL
PRESENT
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THE COURTYARD
North of golden Hill st.
Our vacant lot is a garage which is closed
in by a gate with plants growing on each
side. Green moss is growing inside the
bricks, and a light post is hanging from the
garage. Our building stands in front of
another abandoned building. There is
pavement in front of the building. The
pavement is covered in algae, plants and
moss and surrounded by trash and dirt.
THE TEAM
Isaiah Bendolph, Jaeden McKenzie, Mekhia Henry,
Kenyatta Moore, Jessica Anzalone, Nyasia Reid
The Courtyard today
The courtyard has been vacant for
many years and needs a lot of work to
make it usable.
FUTU R E
OUR PROPOSAL:
The focus of our proposal is the courtyard north
of Golden Hill on Main Street in Bridgeport. The outside of the
courtyard is dark and contains an old garage with graffiti on it.
We plan on turning it into a year-round market with fresh fruits
and vegetables. On the days when it is closed, the market will
be used as a studio for artists. Upon completion, this building
would give Bridgeport residents the opportunity to eat healthy
and give local farmers the option to bring in their fresh fruits
and vegetables. Also, this building will be an inspiring and
peaceful place for artists. It will be an urban marketplace and
a tranquil studio.
Right now the courtyard appears old, beat up, abandoned,
and dark. The outside of the courtyard is covered in algae and
concrete. The courtyard will transform into a building that will
bring or attract other businesses to occupy neighboring
buildings. In order to transform this structure into an
attractive building, we will add a glass ceiling and front glass
wall to enclose the courtyard during the winter months. To
open the space in spring and summer, panels will be installed
that will retract and bring in customers. The market itself will
run on solar-powered lights. This idea will bring in money and
it will keep the building from becoming abandoned again.
FUTURE PLANS
It is not every day you see a farmers’
market in the middle of a busy city.
This picture shows our plans for
turning the courtyard into a place
where people can get something
good to eat or buy fresh local
produce.
artwork by Isaiah
In an effort to be sustainable, we will plant many trees,
flowers and plants. The BGreen 2020 Initiative has encouraged
Bridgeport to “Be Green.” The building will be a year-round
market. It will be serving free-range eggs, freshly baked bread
and milk. In the spring and summer time, fresh fruits and
vegetables from local farms will be available. In the winter, we
will be selling Christmas trees. In the autumn season, we will
sell pumpkins and seasonal vegetables. Locally made crafts
will also be sold year-round.
We plan to put two small plants next to the opening and put
small stalls on the left and right sides of the walkway, so
people can display their vegetables for sale. These stalls can
be rented by farmers for a small fee. We will also install a
watering system so the vegetables and fruits stay healthy. The
pathway into the market will be gravel with flowers all along, to
go with the BGreen initiative.
This farmers’ market will benefit the community by making
Bridgeport healthier. The market will provide health-conscious
professionals who are seeking healthier lifestyles a
better food choice. It will also provide local
farmers with a marketplace to sell their
produce.
FUTURE PLANS
Our courtyard is an eco-friendly,
glass-covered, year-round farmers’
market. The courtyard will provide
Bridgeport with healthier lifestyle
choices. Also, on the off-days, our
building will be used for a tranquil
studio for inspiring artists to work.
FARMERS’ MARKET
rendering by Jessica
PRESENT
sustainable
CITIES
The Courtyard
These photographs show the parts of all of
the old, abandoned lots and buildings. This art
was created by the people of Bridgeport in
2011. We decided not to keep all of the graffiti
to promote a positive influence on the city’s
image. The mural shows the electric
company’s red and white smoke stack that
you can see from the interstate, the Corsair
airplane built in Stratford, CT, and a picture of
P.T. Barnum. One-hundred years ago, the alley
may have been used as access to the
basements of the buildings or shelters
during wartime.
THE TEAM
Yahlexis Cuevas, Jalen Benne, Michael Proto,
Jadibeth Retamar, Hannah Kehoe
F U T U RE
The courtyard today
Although there has been some work
done, it is still in need of improvement.
OUR PROPOSAL:
In Bridgeport there is a small courtyard with
beautiful artwork spray painted onto the walls of the
surrounding buildings. The courtyard has two small trees
and some rocks, but it’s mostly empty. There is a narrow,
blocked off alley with plants growing all over the walls and
stairs.This space is being wasted by not having anything
there. By building here, we can benefit Bridgeport by
creating something new.
FUTURE PLANS
The Apple Plan is a farmers’ market
producing all kinds of apple products
like apple cider, apple sauce, fresh
apple pie and our famous apple
sauces: 25 flavors! Open all year long.
drawing by Jalen
The first thing we will do is tear down the rocks and plant
new grass so it looks nicer. We will plant trees, too.
Removing the gate that blocks the alley and getting rid of
the plants and stairs will open up the alley to be used. We
will install windows in the sides of the buildings that face
the alley and add kitchens inside, then create restaurants
that will serve burgers, hot dogs, pizza, sandwiches,
pretzels, ice cream, coffee, and drinks. In the courtyard
we will put picnic tables and a stage where anyone can go
up to perform. We will put lights out for dinnertime and a
canopy to protect from rain and hot sun in the summer.
This will improve and help Bridgeport because it will bring
in customers looking for food and entertainment. As well
as a food court, there will be a stage for live music,
entertainment, and local artists, who will add to the unique
culture of the area. Also, it won’t cost a lot of money.
Since there is not a lot of structure to demolish, this will
allow more space in the budget for advertising and
generating jobs. This project will bring something exciting
and new to Bridgeport, so it should attract a lot of
customers. We are sure this will benefit Bridgeport, and
that’s why we think this project should be carried out.
FUTURE PLANS
The courtyard will be renovated into
a food court with a stage for
entertainment.
rendering by Hannah
The apple plan FARMERS’ market