Excerpts from The Rooming Gallery – Connecting the Dots
True to form, his (Josh’s) mind raced even faster than his feet. Denny James, the architect who specialized in renovating historical buildings, was coming to meet with them at five-thirty. He visited the place several times while the men were at work and said in an email he had a lot of ideas and questions. Josh hoped Andres remembered their meeting and hadn’t taken off for some project elsewhere. He made a mental note to warn, or advise, Andres how abrupt Denny could be. The man was considered a genius when it came to community redevelopment, building preservation, and converting the old to new uses, but he wasn’t known for his tact. Josh also wished he and Andres would have time that evening to discuss the first diary of Josef Sawicki They finished reading it the night before and it was freaking amazing……
……Built like the short stocky college wrestler he once was, and still wearing a flat-top, Denny rushed in, glanced at the piles of papers, ledgers and photos on the dining room table, sat down at the kitchen table and began pulling papers and notes out of his briefcase, along with a laptop. “You’re supposed to have coffee ready,” he barked. “Sit down. No, I don’t want that instant crap and don’t start brewing some now, I have another meeting near Midway.”
“Okay, I have lots to tell ya, so pay attention. One, your idea of turning this place into an art gallery with studios is wonderful, even if you don’t know what the hell you’re doing.” Josh winked at Andres. “Two,” Denny raised his hand, making circles with two fingers. “I’ve been looking the place over while you’ve been at work—here’s your key back—and this place is well built. You could probably put two more stories on it, but you don’t want to, and I’ll tell you why. Either of you know anything about historical buildings or the National Register of Historic Places?” He watched them shake their heads. “Didn’t think so. Know the old Goldblatt Brothers Department Store building at Ashland and Forty-Seventh? That’s on the list. Up on Pershing Road is the Central Manufacturing District. Cornell Square and Davis Square are too. And so is the Old Stone Gate at the Union Stockyards.”……He checked his notes. “Oh, yeah. Next, have you two got out into the community yet? Met any movers and shakers? People who know what the heck is going on around here?” He (Denny) watched them shake their heads. “Didn’t think so. Well—”
“See, I’m a visionary. I think if you formed a nonprofit, got this place listed, and worked with the community leaders, you would have a marvelous opportunity to be a part of this community as it tries to revitalize itself. And that synergy will result in opportunities you may not have considered yet. Like public and private grants, even tax credits. Plus, I know of no other old rooming houses on the register in the Chicago area.” He paused and pointed his stubby finger at each of them. His voice softened and his pace slowed. “I honestly mean this. I think you two are the ones to pull this off and you will be a tremendous asset in this neighborhood.” He stood up and began pacing. “This is about more than showing off the art of you and some of your derelict artist friends, as good as they are, and providing space for studios.” He smiled. “This is about offering art lessons to kids and families and seniors. This is about having your exhibitions and other ones for people from this community. This is about getting local people involved with painting murals in the underpasses and public spaces, part of the work you love to do. Am I correct, Andres?”……
He tapped his foot several times. “I think you have something of historical importance here and maybe you should consider a historical component to the gallery. Now that would be bloody unique! An art gallery, a community art center, plus with the history of the building. My God, what a concept. You two better get your asses out and start meeting people. I’ll be back Monday, same time. Damnit, have some coffee ready, at least. Maybe even a sandwich. You two get your heads out of your butts and start thinking big. This ain’t going to be some flea-bitten, half-assed grubby gallery run by a bunch of nitwits. Nope, this is going to be great!”
The next character is more gentle, but just as strong…Stay tuned…