Ball State architecture seniors have partnered with Building Better Neighborhoods and ecoREHAB of Muncie to rehabilitate a house in the Thomas Park/Avondale neighborhood. While ecoREHAB has completed a number of projects in Muncie, this one is unique – the house is a former methamphetamine lab. According to ecoREHAB, “The problems created by the production, sale and consumption of meth amphetamines spells disaster for a neighborhood. Even when the drugs are gone, left behind are the contaminated buildings where the drug was produced.”
The experience has been unique for the architecture students as well, many of whom are working on a real-life project for the first time. Student Jordan Duke said, “What I’ve learned most from this studio is the possibility of the ripple effect. We’re trying to rehab one house in the Avondale community in hopes that it begins to start a chain of reaction within the community. This house’s success is critical so that it might kick start a movement that will reinvigorate the neighborhood.”
Read additional reflections from students on ecoREHAB’s blog.