They say that ideas are meant to be shared... Here is one of my favorites I like to refer to as the Pickadilly Project, at first it was to be known as "Mike Young's center for all things delicious and Beautiful" but I was told that was somewhat conceited. The basic concept starts with an abandoned gas station, then mixes with a taste of beer and bread, add in local food, music, and art, and my affinity for housing (small, efficient, sustainable, and shared) tag that towards my dream of communal land ownership and a flair for the dramatic and you get the Pickadilly Project. It would basically be a space for people to come together and share food, stories, ideas, music, and passions.
The first phase was visioned around the aforementioned abandoned gas station. We would buy the station and land around it, retrofit the building for beer brewing, bio diesel production, and a short order cafe. around the property we could cultivate plants (after breaking up the parking lot) that would leech the negative chemicals out of the soil and eventually produce food on the same land. The cafe would be stocked by food from local farmers, and the beer ingredients could be sourced from nearby as well ( a true regional beer.) The next structure on the property could house a bakery and then further an art gallery with studio space for transient artists. We could build a small recording studio as well and have a potters kiln and even glass blowing facilities. On site we would have different housing structures built from hay, rammed, earth, and reclaimed materials, experimenting with in the earth homes, yurts, etc. Some of these could be rented out, or used as Bed and Breakfasts (featuring local art, and food) Others could be permanent homes for employees, and community members. Once a year we would have a huge festival bringing people together to share in the synergy. The goal would be to create a destination that entertains, relaxes, and inspires individuals, part experiment, part reality. I set a goal of 2017, I will let you know how it goes.
Peace and Love
Mike
