Shortly thereafter, the couple was enrolled in a program with the City of Miami to rebuild the home. Cost overruns and delays following the Covid-19 Pandemic led to Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade and the University of Miami School of Architecture partnering together, where the two collaborated on a proposal using 3D printing technology to rebuild the house. The initiative began in September of 2021 and has continued to move through a research and design phase. The initiative aims to utilize digital fabrication, in particular, concrete 3D printing to rebuild the shell of the house and traditional construction to build the interior of the house. The team for this project consists of a range of students from the M. Arch, B. Arch, Construction Management, and Real Estate programs to think through the project on a wide range of issues. Students have met with the owners of the lot to discuss the aesthetics, culture, constructibility, and economics related to the project. At the same time, the students have been investigating the opportunities and limitations provided by using a large format 3d printer to print at full scale. The project aims to complete the design phase by April 1st and move into permitting and construction over the summer of 2022. With the designs nearing completion, a heightened focus on fundraising is needed to cover the construction costs for the project.
To donate, please contact Rebuilding Together, Miami-Dade.
The People:
Born July 25th, 1953, Linda was raised in Coconut Grove by her single mom Bessie Thompson Haithman. A creative and compassionate outlook on life was instilled in her at an early age which shaped her into becoming a representative of her community. Linda attended and graduated from Coral Gables Senior High School in 1971. She then went on to start her career as a secretary for Pancoast Architects. Five years and several jobs later, she opened a business of secretarial/clerical services provided to the general public. She completed her working career with Macedonia Mission Baptist Church. After her mother’s passing in 2006, Linda became committed to working to improve her community by being part of the Coconut Grove Village West Homeowner’s and Tenant’s association (HOATA). She is a part of several associations such as the Community Advisory Committee, Coconut Grove Negro Women’s Club, the Historical Cemetery Association, and the Coconut Grove Village Council. Alfred Williams was born on April 7th, 1943, and raised by a single mom, Lucille Hannah. Alfred, along with his younger brother Edie Lee Peters lived in Attapulgus, Georgia. They eventually moved south to Miami, Florida, in 1951, where he graduated from George Washington Carver Senior Highschool. After graduation, following his curiosity, he attended the National School of Meat Cutting in Toledo, Ohio. Upon returning home, he attained various jobs throughout the years, such as the Griffin Roofing Company, the Maintenance Department at the University of Miami, and later retired from a Winn Dixie Store in 2005 after 31 years of service. Alfred and Linda met in 1971, and after a long courtship, they married in 1983 and had a son, Alfred Jr. Alfred, and Linda both enjoy many activities. Still, some of their favorites include sewing, cooking, and barbequing with friends and family.
