Uvalde Youth Center
Eric Grossman / Grossman Design Build
“The roof as an infrastructure—as the space of gathering—and the actual tectonics of the roof are both very simple but produce an intricacy of wood and steel that’s almost like a filigree suspended above the public realm…. The simplicity of the solution is part of where the beauty lies.”
—Lola Sheppard
The tragedy of May 24, 2022, in which 19 students and two teachers were killed in a school shooting, has deeply affected 21 families, 13 classroom survivors, and the entire Uvalde community. This project aims to create a safe space for local youth to heal collectively from their trauma. The proposed center will foster group development, offering a communal space for school-aged children to grow into adulthood. This project also seeks to prevent future tragedies by helping to dismantle feelings of isolation and providing children with a sense of belonging and purpose. Through organized activities and civic engagement, the center will offer opportunities for personal growth and positive social interactions, helping steer youths away from destructive paths and towards positive futures.