Project team

Head: Neighborhood Solutions

Partners: Circle for Reentry   

Project description and goals

Utilizing best practices from existing urban and rural vineyards, the project proposes turning a vacant lot into a farm of grapevines, with the produce eventually being used in the production of wine that will be sold in a neighborhood winery.  Besides the reutilization and beautification components—as well as the installation of new small business—the project will be educationally focused in that the vineyard will serve as a learning lab for participants in a local reentry program.  Here, participants will not only be versed in horticulture but in skills related to entrepreneurship as well.

Existing conditions

The three lots (106-14-014 thru 106-14-016) are along Hough Ave. and measure 20, 976 sq. ft.  The project site is in a highly visible location, situated along a heavily trafficked artery containing both cars and pedestrians. The site is level and free of debris, and it was selected given its proximity the applicant’s residence. 

Proposed interventions

To prepare the land for grapes, existing trees will be trimmed and top soil will be layered and leveled.  Grapevines will then be planted with support stakes and wires installed for erective support. A decorative fence will also be constructed to edge the area of the vineyard.  Eventually, the grapes will be harvested and stored in a newly built Chateau Hough, and the actual process of winemaking will commence with vineyard expert Giancarlo Callicchia serving a consulting lead to program directors.

Site maintenance

The grapevines will not need watering, but weeding and pruning will be ongoing tasks to ensure the grapes viability. Also, continual assurances that the vines are properly staked and wired will also be needed.