Students and faculty from Southern Polytechnic State University’s Architecture Department will join the Reynoldstown Revitalization Corporation for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Reynoldstown Gateway Project on Friday, September 20 at 12:00 p.m.  A representative from the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office will attend the ceremony in Reynoldstown Gateway Community Park at 171 Brantley Street NE.

SPSU’s Architecture students from the Design & Build Studio assisted with the design and construction of the $620,000 gateway entry portal with advisor Professor William Carpenter.  Other sponsors include Beers Skanska Inc.; Stein Steel; MARTA; the City of Atlanta Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs; Tindall Precast; Georgia/Carolinas PCI and AIA Georgia.

SPSU Architecture students have been working with the Reynoldstown Revitalization Corporation on various projects over the past several years including this design of the community’s gateway.  Previously, students designed a collapsible theater which allowed youth in the area to use a transportable stage for theater and music productions.  SPSU students and faculty have also designed a memorial garden in honor of a Reynoldstown citizen who was instrumental in developing the area.

The Reynoldstown community was of particular interest to the students and faculty of SPSU because of its rich history and the dedication of their leaders and residents.  Reynoldstown is thought to be one of the oldest African neighborhoods established by former slaves after the Civil War.  It dates back to 1870.

The Reynoldstown Revitalization Corporation notes that it faces the usual challenges of the inner city but through partnerships and collaborations is experiencing successful revitalization.

Southern Polytechnic State University is a member of the University System of Georgia and offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the sciences, technologies and engineering, addressing the professional workforce needs of many of the nation’s fastest growing fields.