Essence Magazine Announces Its First Showhouse In Harlem
ESSENCE magazine, the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women, and Abyssinian Development Corporation (ADC), one of the leading Community Development organizations in the country, have partnered to create ESSENCE's first designer Showhouse in a Harlem brownstone, known as HOMECOMING. Homecoming epitomizes ESSENCE's unique approach to its editorial content -- a focus on its readers' mind, body, and spirit as well as homeownership and financial well being. The Showhouse will open to the public this fall and is one of the key highlights of a year-long celebration of ESSENCE magazine's 35th birthday. Showhouse tour details will be announced in upcoming weeks on essence.com.
Homecoming will encompass a magnificently restored brownstone carved into three gracious residences -- two single-floor apartments and one duplex. The three residences will highlight how savvy African-American women are living today: the duplex will showcase a family environment and one of the two single-floor apartments will be designed for a newlywed couple and the other for a single entrepreneur. Making this Showhouse so remarkable is that once it is over, the building will be sold to an individual through ADC's home- ownership program. The homeowner has the option to live in the duplex, and rent out the two single units.
"All of us at Essence are extremely proud of the accomplishments made by our faithful readers over the past 35 years, and we are very grateful for the opportunity to play a role in their lives," says Essence Communications, Inc., president Michelle Ebanks. "We hope that each one of them, in person or online, will enjoy the Showhouse and the useful renovation information we have included in ESSENCE's September issue." Sheena Wright, president & CEO of ADC, expressed, "ADC's historic partnership with ESSENCE on this 35th Anniversary is a very exciting opportunity to share our work, and to encourage members of our community to pursue the dream of homeownership through financial education."
Courtney Sloane and Keita Turner were selected by ESSENCE to design the interior spaces. Sloane, the Showhouse lead interior designer, is creative director of Alternative Design, a 13-year-old New York based design boutique that specializes in both residential and commercial environments. Turner, the Showhouse's guest designer, is president of KT Design Solutions, which she founded in 2000. Her mission is to create safe, orderly havens and high-end residential and commercial environments. ADC's architect for the Showhouse is Zevilla Jackson Preston, R.A. Preston is the founder and principal of the full-service architectural firm J-P Design Group, which specializes in not-for-profit, urban projects. Recognizing the inter-connection between the social, physical and cultural aspects of a community, she has designed distinctive spaces for ADC, South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corp., Harlem Commonwealth Council and the Harlem Y.M.C.A.
The Homecoming Showhouse's major sponsors are Colgate-Palmolive, Hunter Douglas, Martex, Verizon and Wal-Mart. General Mills, HGTV and McDonald are supporting sponsors. In addition, Cadbury Schweppes, Mary Kay, Mizani and Motrin, are participating sponsors. The names of the other Homecoming sponsors will be announced at a later date.
Harlem, the heart of African-American culture, is the perfect location for the Showhouse. Home to generations of Black families, leaders, politicians, educators and celebrities, it is a neighborhood that resounds with history and that is today, reveling in an exciting economic renaissance.
An inspiration for anyone interested in the world of design, the entire renovation process of the Showhouse will be available for viewing online. Visitors to www.essence.com will be able to view the work in progress, and obtain specific, personalized tips for their own remodeling and decorating ventures from ESSENCE lifestyle director Vanessa Bush. They will also receive special offers from Showhouse sponsors. In addition, the September issue of ESSENCE will offer the magazine's biggest guide ever on home decorating. The 25-page home special will help readers create relaxed living spaces that reflect their style, taste and life. The Brownstone for the Showhouse is part of the Neighborhood Homes Project established by the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and ADC is the owner/developer.
Web site: http://www.essence.com/
