Weekend of Dancing in Myrtle Beach
A little over a century ago, a new cultural concept of community bandstands emerged. For the period of years between the Civil war and WWI, many bandstands found their way onto the public squares and parks of villages, towns, and cities throughout this country. Initially intended for seating a band, ultimately these jewels provided a gathering place for the community and became symbols of local identity and civic pride.
Many years back, the small city of Decatur, GA experienced a severe shock to its downtown with the construction of a rapid transit rail line which was routed directly through the center of town, only to be punctuated with a transit station below the city square.
The first cut is the deepest
As is the case many times, decision makers have a short sighted approach, and in this case the cost of completely burying the station just wasn’t in the budget. Hence, the station became partially raised above grade and resulted in a hard-scape plaza over much of the station’s footprint. For years after, citizens complained about the destruction of the square and the negative impact on the viability of the city. But as it is with the human spirit, the citizenry rose above the impediments and the plaza became a point to which the community came together for public events and gatherings.
In the years following, the City fathers realized an opportunity - befitting of the historic context of adjacent buildings – to restore civic pride for the Courthouse square. The vision was for a bandstand that would both enrich the community and reflect a commitment to local culture, and it would be located directly over the transit station. I was most honored to have been selected as the architect for this bandstand project.
there's a crack in everything . . . that's how the light gets in . . .
In the years since its construction, the bandstand has not only become a symbol of civic pride and a testament to the cultural commitment of the City of Decatur, but its greatest value is found in the casual and spontaneous events which occur there within and around. On most days you may stroll by and catch a glimpse of a wedding party, children playing under the canopy, or workers lunching on the shaded steps sheltered from the noonday sun. At other times, there may be an aspiring violinist playing an aria at dusk, or a pair of lovers speaking gently as they lean over the railing watching the sun set in the cool evening air.
Perhaps, if you are fortunate, you may encounter a small group of young people who have just put on their dancing shoes and have struck up the music. Should you experience a desire to join in, do so and become a part of the spirit of this place.
dancing shoes . . .
-
