Here’s this week’s update on our RYSE Commons construction! Scroll down below to read on what’s happened so far.
Don’t forget to SAVE THE DATE and join us at our official groundbreaking ceremony on September 6th!
This week, our construction team, Oliver and Company, focused on preparing all of the land for the frame and later foundation pour. Now that we’ve officially completed the excavation process, we’ve moved into the process of grading—clearing and flattening the site for the foundation to come.
As part of this next step, we carefully excavated our apple and fig trees and gave them new homes at staff’s houses. We’re excited that RYSE Commons will bring new, expanded greenery and outdoor space to Richmond and Richmond’s young people.
When designing the courtyard and surrounding outside area with Anne Phillips Architecture, our landscape designers, Bay Tree Design selected plants and trees that were native to California or known to thrive in similar climates.
A view of the new courtyard.
As with all other RYSE projects, the plans for RYSE Commons began by listening to youth and their needs first.
From their feedback, the team identified the need for balance between “active” and “chill” spaces—so youth can exercise together physically or engage in activities with a quieter energy.
A vibrant community garden where young people can grow vegetables for our teaching kitchen was a must, as was a meditative, healing garden. A full basketball court was needed, but also benches, patios, and terraces where young people can just gather to talk with their friends.
Our new and renovated buildings will also have large, glass “roll-up” doors to let in the fresh air and merge our indoor spaces with those outside.
An overhead view of RYSE Commons, with basketball court, community garden, and healing garden.
We’re grateful to our young people for leading the way with this tremendous vision that is soon to become a reality. We’re excited to see all of you at our official groundbreaking ceremony next month to celebrate and share more updates!
RSVP NOW: RYSE Commons Groundbreaking Ceremony
Join youth and adult leaders, community members, families, and elected officials for the official groundbreaking ceremony for RYSE Commons! Celebrate with us as we build the vision dreamt and led by Richmond's youth.
WHEN: Friday, September 6 2019 from 2 - 4 PM
WHERE: RYSE Center