Client: City of Rock Hill

Overview

The Freedom Walkway honors the Friendship 9, a group of African-Americans who integrated the McCrory's lunch counter in 1961, were subsequently jailed, and served time rather than pay bail to an unjust system. The design references the reopening of the court docket book in 2015, vacating their trespassing convictions. Curving brick patterns flow through the walkway, leading one on a symbolic journey. Ideas of hope, freedom, change, turbulence, and obstacles are integrated within the walkway. The walkway seeks to empower future generations to strive for equality and justice in their day and time.

Goals

The City of Rock Hill reserved a public walkway between an existing brick building and a new development along Main Street in downtown Rock Hill. This important conduit has become a major pedestrian connector and place making space in the downtown area. The entire walkway is an integrated work of art. Art includes paving design, site lighting, mosaics, and a mural.

Process

The project is a reality because of the vision and support of the City of Rock Hill's Quality of Life Committee. The artists engaged with students, teachers, and neighbors early in the design process. Several of the ideas from the community inspired elements of the design. The artists worked with a team of craftspeople to bring the design to life. Each member of the team understood how important the project was to the community and the project's success is in large part due to the cooperation of this team.

Additional Information

Client: City of Rock Hill, Artist Team: Juan Logan and Laurel Holtzapple, Landscape Architect: groundworks studio, Civil and Structural Engineer: Kimley-Horn, Lighting Design and Electrical Engineer: Elm Engineering, Contractor: Concorde Construction, Mural Installation: Sharon Dowell, and Mosaic Fabrication: Carrie Gault.