Waltherson Gateway Sign
In 2007, NDC volunteer architect Matthew Compton of Murphy & Dittenhafer, Inc. produced concept plans for a new community sign for the Waltherson Neighborhood in NE Baltimore. Waltherson is one neighborhood among many represented by the Neighborhoods of Greater Lauraville (NOGLI) CDC. The residents in this neighborhood were eager to claim ownership of a large triangular traffic island while simultaneously creating a gateway to their community.
The triangle posed some unique challenges in that the space is large enough to accommodate both desirable and undesirable activities: the residents wanted to be able to utilize the space for events such as neighborhood celebrations like cookouts, yard sales, etc. but it’s proximity to a major thoroughfare (Belair Road) had them concerned about loitering, alcohol and drug use. Additionally, they hoped to have a sign that would relate to the wide variety of housing styles and materials, relate to the agricultural history of the surrounding area, lend a sense of permanence in a section of the city marked by the ebb and flow of nearby commercial activity and would prevent trucks from using the space as turn-around.
Matthew’s concept addressed their numerous concerns by proposing a long, low-slung stone retaining wall that would:
- Take advantage of the view upon entering the neighborhood (marked by a change in elevation from Belair Road upward into the community);
- Soften the existing grade change within the island to create a more level area for community events;
- Retain existing sight-lines into and out of the triangle from and toward the surrounding houses;
- Act as an attractive backdrop for additional landscaping with seasonal interest; and
- Serve as the neighborhood sign itself, having the Waltherson name grace the surface of the wall in large, handsome, cast aluminum letters.
Click here to see an enlarged version of the design.
This project is one of 14 that received funding for implementation from Healthy Neighborhoods' Capital Grants Program in Spring 2008. The grant of $13,850 will enable the community to install the sign and planting in the Fall of 2008. This is the second gateway project that Matthew designed that has been funded and installed (the other is in Garwyn Oaks in West Baltimore).
Project Completion: 2007
Project Location: Woodlea Avenue and Belair Road, Baltimore, MD 21206
NDC Architect Volunteers: Matthew Compton, Murphy & Dittenhafer, Inc.