Rose Picon, Staff Writer

In the Near Westside, next to Blodgett Middle School, stands a small, blue house on Tully Street that is slowly being transformed into a community arts space. Marion Wilson, a sculpture professor at Syracuse University, has been renovating this house through her course, Social Sculpture: 601 Tully Design/Build, which teaches students to work collaboratively to redesign vacant structures.

Wilson has been working on 601 Tully for almost two years. She has led students in discussing possible project ideas, creating design layouts, and determining how to fund the house. This is the first year that students have had the opportunity to put forth their ideas and have had hands-on experience in construction. The outcome is quite impressive.

The house, which was once gutted, now has walls, windows and doors, a full staircase, a bathroom, balcony and a porch, all thanks to the help of a diverse group of students. While architect students once dominated the course, an increasing number of creative writing, education and art majors are now involved. The promotion aspects are also proving to be intriguing for those majoring in public relations, advertising and design. Wilson explains, “Everyone brings a different skill set, and the variety is what fuels the project.” 

Wilson decided, however, that she could not leave all the fun to the college students and saw this as a meaningful opportunity to engage another group of residents – specifically, its high school ones. Several students from Fowler High School interviewed for the opportunity to work at 601 Tully as a part-time job after school. These young people have received the same practical experience in building a house as the SU students and have taken part in other activities, as well. For example, Manuel Dejesus has built a bookshelf and has also created a photography book showing pictures of the Tully process from day one. Besides gaining concrete skills, Manuel and his peers have connected with professors from the university and have sat in on lectures and met with SU advisors about their college plans.

Wilson was inspired to take on 601 Tully after she taught a course called MLAB – Mobile Literacy Arts Bus – where students revitalized an old R.V. out of recyclable materials. “I found it so amazing to see how many college students were into the project and were involved in completing it, that I wanted to see if I could do something similar.”

Wilson considered all the initiatives on campus and throughout the city and wondered if she could create a convenient, centrally-located space for both the campus and community to use for several purposes. After some investigating, she discovered the property and was later able to buy it through the assistance of Imagining America, the SALT District, Syracuse University School of Education, Enitiative, Say Yes to Education and Home Headquarters.

Once finished, the lower floor will house Café Kubal, a local coffee shop, where folks can relax and check out the art-adorned walls. Café Kubal will provide barista classes, where anyone can learn the art of making specialty coffee, and will also provide further job opportunities for the teens. The upper level will host a gallery for artists to show their works, along with a pop-up bookstore. Outside, visitors will find a community teaching garden.

Clearly, 601 Tully will serve many purposes once it’s completed, but just when will that be? Wilson says that the plan is to be open to the public by the fall. If you want to check out this gem before then, view their blog and follow their progress.