The designers and creators of a tiny-home community for the chronically homeless celebrated its completion recently with a public event.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of Eden Village, which includes 31 homes and a community center on Kornegay Avenue in Wilmington, was held June 30. 

Modeled after the first Eden Village in Springfield, Missouri, Wilmington's Eden Village was spearheaded by local anesthesiologist Tom Dalton and his wife, Kim Dalton. Architecture firm LS3P designed the community center, and Thomas Construction built the entire village, according to a news release. 

"LS3P—a longtime supporter of pro bono design for community organizations, recently formalized this effort through the creation of the LS3P Design In-Kind program," the release stated. "Through this initiative, LS3P pledges up to 1% of staff hours—roughly 20 hours a year per employee—for pro bono work. Anyone in the firm can propose and lead a project; and all employees are encouraged to participate. 

"Targeted projects provide design solutions for architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, engineering, urban design, and sustainability needs of deserving communities." 

LS3P’s design team of Matt Barnett, Charles Boney and Chris Wellman led the pro bono design effort for Eden Village, according to the release.

"Meeting with future community residents inspired the design team to understand the real needs of those whose life has been on the streets," the release stated. "The results are a unique community of tiny homes that provide dignity; a solar-powered Community Center that provides hope; and a net-zero Village that will lead to change, optimism and respect."

Barnett said his firm's Design In-Kind program "allows us to engage with nonprofits to facilitate the highest quality of research and design thinking beyond our normal business structure."

Shawn Hayes, the on-site manager and executive director of Wilmington’s Eden Village, said in the release the vision of the community is “to make Wilmington a city where no one sleeps outside, and while that is a lofty vision, we are determined to continue to fight to help our unhoused friends find that sense of community.”

The design team included Cheatham and Associates, Woods Engineering and Coastal Land Design—all of whom donated or discounted their services, the release stated. 
 

Thomas Construction’s President Chris Reid serves on the leadership committee of Eden Village. Hayes said in the release the contributions from Thomas Construction Group and LS3P "are truly beyond measure, and this community, and the entire city of Wilmington, will continue to benefit from their generosity for decades to come.”