Community leaders, project partners, and Allen Homes residents and staff gathered Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Allen Homes Community Garden, officially launching the site preparation and construction for a resident-informed placemaking connected to Augusta’s Choice Neighborhood Initiative.

The Choice Neighborhood Project focuses on revitalizing the Allen Homes community, which was identified as distressed public housing. The project, led by the City of Augusta and the Augusta Housing Authority, received a HUD Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant to develop a comprehensive plan for transforming the area. Partnerships in this initiative include Black Farm Street Inc., Augusta Locally Grown, the Augusta Housing Authority and the Greater Augusta Arts Council.

Planned improvements include raised, irrigated community garden beds, a shaded education and gathering area, future ongoing garden-based educational programming, public art installations, and the revitalization of the existing basketball court. A highlight of the project will be the installation of two new murals created by local artists Destinee Love and Emily Bender. Each component reflects priorities identified by residents during the Choice Neighborhood planning process, ensuring the space is shaped by those who live there.

In attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony were Allen Homes staff, residents and community supporters. Lead by Black Farm Street Executive Director Lashawndra Robinson, the ceremony was opened with remarks that emphasized service, stewardship, and sustainable community investment.

“This is about more than building a garden,” Robinson shared. “It’s about building trust, ownership, and opportunity. When we plant a seed, we are investing in something that grows beyond the soil.”

Additional speakers included Doug Freeman with Augusta Housing Authority, Chuck Simpson with Augusta Locally Grown, Gallery & Public Art Director Heather Dunaway with the Greater Augusta Arts Council, Executive Director Denise Tucker with the Greater Augusta Arts Council, Karen Gordon with Growing Augusta & Board member of the Arts Council, Mayor Garnett Johnson with the City of Augusta and Commissioner Jordan Johnson of District 1 with the Augusta Commission.

Construction and installation will continue in phases over the coming weeks. A community celebration and official garden launch is planned for April 22, 2026, in recognition of Earth Day, and will include the unveiling of the new murals created in partnership with local artists.