Our Work
We are in process of restoring legendary jazz pianist, Art Tatum's childhood home on the corner of City Park and Woodland. This is the first step to building something inspiring in the spirit of Art Tatum with plans to use this as the impetus for other community transformative projects. This is truly something to get excited about! Watch and work with us as we move forward.
Rendering of Goal for Art Tatum's
home restoration
Art Tatum's Childhood Home - current work in process
Art Tatum's home is on City Park Rd in Toledo and denoted with an Ohio Historical Marker. Stop by and read about this Toledoan with tremendous piano skills despite being blind.
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01
Set a Firm Foundation
First step to restoration was repairing the foundation. A firm, solid foundation needed to transform this house, and more importantly, this community.
02
New Windows
New windows are in! What a difference to remove the boards and have nice new windows with a view!
New windows were installed late August 22. Waiting on roofing materials for reroofing to begin porch repair happening in September.
03
Paint is next!
In early fall this facade will be getting a new look as we prime and paint the exterior. And some much needed landscaping and brush cleanup is happening in September.
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04
Landscaping
Overgrown shrubbery, broken fencing and weeds in every sidewalk crack are being removed as the yard is readied to host Tatum's Town Porch Fest.
05
Art Screen
We created a colorful backdrop on the property using the creative art panels painted by the Jones Leadership Academy students with the Arts Commission originally designed to cover the old windows of the house. On 4-1-9 Day, the University of Toledo Athletic Department installed the panels and created the colorful art screen seen on the property now.
