Work

Rosewood Memorial Pavilion

Alachua County, FL

In 1923, the town of Rosewood was a quiet, primarily African-American, self-sufficient whistle-stop along the Seaboard Air Line Railway located in rural Levy County, Florida. In the first week of January 1923, a racially motivated massacre of black people and the destruction of the town took place, leaving the community devastated and abandoned. Modest in size, the Rosewood Memorial Pavilion is a 1,320-square-foot supporting facility within the grounds of Rosewood Memorial Park in Alachua County, Florida. Nestled on an expansive 28.6-acre site, this pavilion serves as the gateway to a journey through history, commemorating the profound legacy of the Rosewood Community and bearing witness to the tragic events of the Rosewood Massacre and its aftermath.

Owner
Florida Trust for Public Land + The Real Rosewood Foundation

Cost
Undisclosed

Size
1,320 SF

Completion
Pending

Multiple covered porches invite visitors to commune beneath the shade, fostering moments of contemplation and camaraderie amidst the tranquil, natural surroundings. The series of porches, breezeways, and interconnected outdoor spaces directly link to the historic aspects of ‘porch sitting’. Traditionally, Florida’s porches consisted of rocking chairs, porch swings, and deep overhangs, giving families a break from the heat and serving as gathering places for families, friends, and loved ones during their visit — the ‘Lookout Patio’ offers the same.

The Community Room serves as a welcoming hub where stories converge, and memories intertwine. Here, the “Share Your Story” wall stands as an impressive testament to the power of collective narrative, inviting guests to share their own reflections and experiences through handwritten notes affixed to a magnetic rail.

A small outdoor classroom offers an intimate sanctuary for learning and engagement, inviting visitors to delve deeper into the rich montage of Rosewood’s history and legacy.

Accessible public restrooms provide essential amenities for visitors. The placement of the restrooms in relation to the memorial program elements is such that it isolates the service functions from view to the public. The pavilion’s flexible building program embodies the spirit of inclusivity, community, and shared storytelling that lies at the heart of the Rosewood Memorial experience.

Transparency lies at the core of the pavilion’s design, symbolizing a commitment to truth and remembrance. The interplay of glass and wood fosters a sense of openness and warmth, inviting visitors to engage with the narrative in a spirit of shared understanding.

‘Memory markers’ are suspended within the northern brise-soleil, commemorating lost loved ones as a result of the massacre.

The pavilion serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards reconciliation and justice.