Background
The Neighborhood
In determining how to maximize the site for the benefit of the neighborhood, a few different points were priority. This space is not to replace or replicate services or activities that are already happening in Homewood. The intention for this space is to give a platform to those businesses and initiatives that are already happening in the neighborhood but may not have a space to host them. Ultimately, this space has been created to give residents a new and different experience and allow people from outside the neighborhood an avenue to experience the greatness that is Homewood.
For Demi Kolke, working in Homewood over the years allowed her the opportunity to hear first-hand what one of the most disenfranchised neighborhoods in the city desires to see happen in their community. Once you meet a resident who has lived in Homewood for decades, one of the first conversation topics will assuredly be about ‘the way Homewood used to be’ – the liveliness, the bustling businesses, and the sense of community.
Presently, Homewood does not have an outdoor community-friendly space. There are countless positive, enriching ideas in the works, art in the making, and conversations in process without a space to engage with and elevate them. While Homewood is often portrayed negatively by the media, it is actually asset-rich with an expansive cultural history and houses many current news-makers ranging from makers to musicians to craftsmen.
Kenny’s will be a platform for these creatives to showcase their product, whether that be artwork, music, or classes for wellness. The events schedule will reflect the residents’ vision for the site, including regular outdoor yoga classes, events such as an art market and a music showcase featuring musicians from the community and regional acts. The site will also host annual signature events: a fundraiser, an open spoken word community day, and Cancers and Cookies - a summer birthday celebration.
The site will also be available for usage by community members for activities such as:
- Family reunions
- Networking events and mixers
- Community days and cookouts
Kenny's is looking forward to bringing the residents’ vision to life and giving the neighborhood a positive, open atmosphere to promote health and wellness, art and culture, and entrepreneurs and existing businesses.
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