The Virginia Heights Project
In the Spring of 2002, my journey led me to the vibrant city of Orlando, Florida, where I settled in what was undeniably the hippest neighborhood in the city at that time. A place where the spirit of creativity thrived, with people actively engaged in crafting music, art, and hosting unforgettable parties. My new home was conveniently located right next door to Pat Greene, an influential figure in Orlando to this day, and just down the street from Alex Boeckl, both individuals at the epicenter of the city's bustling activities and cultural initiatives.
Amidst this dynamic community, a project named the Virginia Heights Project, spearheaded by Pat Greene, became a significant part of my experience. This undertaking entailed an extensive study and reimagination of the neighborhood surrounding Lake Formosa, which we renamed as Virginia Heights. It was through my involvement in this project, and later on, in Roanoke, that I was able to understand the value of community and the potential it holds. These experiences showed me that a close-knit community is one of the rare treasures that one can aspire to find and nurture in this vast world, a source of hope and endless possibilities.
Archived set of images from the project.