American Institute of Architects Sends Team to Help Fellsmere with Revitalization

published Apr 28, 2008

Helen Ross, a lifelong resident of the Hall Carter James subdivision, stepped out to get her mail Friday and ran across a group of architects from across the nation touring her neighborhood.

Six architects, composing the Sustainable Design Assessment Team from the Washington-based American Institute of Architects, are in town this weekend to help city officials and residents revive the community.

Hall Carter James, on the east end of Fellsmere, consists of five square blocks and has a population of 219 people, many at poverty level, records show.

Erin Simmons, head of the institute's Center for Communities by Design, said the team - working off a $15,000 grant - will focus on the subdivision but also try to help create an ongoing relationship between residents, the environment and their location.