The Melissa Pierce Project marked a major milestone for South Dallas’ Joppee neighborhood on October 22, breaking ground on The Place at Honey Springs, a redevelopment effort that will transform the former Melissa Pierce School into a new community hub.
Dozens of residents, families, and community partners gathered to plant 30 trees on the site. Volunteers were invited to name their trees, which will soon feature custom markers recognizing their participation. The event was organized in partnership with the Texas Trees Foundation and Budd Family Foundation.
“It’s a wonderful experience,” said Shalondria Galimore, CEO and Founder of The Melissa Pierce Project. “It’s been a long time coming, and this is the beginning. We’re building a space the community can enjoy and take pride in.”
Volunteers from TAMKO Building Products from both Dallas and Missouri contributed their time and effort alongside neighborhood volunteers.
“We’re proud to support The Melissa Pierce Project and the ongoing work to beautify and revitalize this historic neighborhood,” said Jason White, General Manager Dallas TAMKO. “These trees will provide lasting shade and a welcoming space for the community to enjoy.”
“There’s one thing to be a sponsor or donor, but to have them show up and work with us means so much” Galimore said. “We’re deeply grateful for TAMKO’s continued commitment to this community.”
The event also drew support from Remembering Black Dallas Inc., City of Dallas Code Compliance Services, and numerous other community members.
Reviving a Historic Space
The Place at Honey Springs, designed by Citizen HKS, the pro-bono studio of Dallas-based architecture firm HKS Inc., will repurpose the 1950s-era Melissa Pierce School into a community and recreation center. Plans include classrooms, a recording studio, gymnasium and pool, community gardens, and spaces for health and wellness programs.
The name “Honey Springs” honors the area’s original identity and reflects the project’s goal of reconnecting Joppee residents with their roots.