Creative Leadership & Arts Center — Exterior Refresh
Great curb appeal for the building where creativity and leadership grow.
BeforeAfterDrag to compare today vs. the rendering
First impressions matter, even outside. Right now the Arts Center has good bones but a tired exterior — patchy grass, a bare foundation, a weathered handrail, and a walkway that's seen better days. This project gives it a clean, cared-for look: a full landscaped bed of flowers and shrubs along the building, fresh mulch, healthy green grass, a freshly painted railing, and a power-washed walkway. It's hands-in-the-dirt, see-the-difference-in-a-weekend work — the kind of project a family or a team finishes tired and proud.
Digging and planting a foundation flower bed, spreading mulch, seeding or patching the lawn, power-washing the concrete walkway, and prepping and repainting the black handrail. It's honest outdoor labor — no special skills, just a willing crew and a good Saturday. A local landscaper would be a fantastic partner if your family knows one.
- Foundation-bed plants: flowering perennials/annuals + shrubs or ornamental grasses
- Mulch (dark brown/black) for full foundation bed
- Landscape edging + weed-barrier fabric (optional)
- Garden soil / compost for bed amendment
- Grass seed + starter fertilizer (or sod for dead patches)
- Rust-inhibiting exterior metal paint (black, satin/gloss) + metal primer
- Prep supplies: wire brush, sandpaper, rags, painter's tape, drop cloth
- Application: brushes + mini-roller, or spray paint rated for metal
- Concrete cleaner/degreaser for the walkway
- Contractor trash bags, gloves
- Pressure washer (rent or borrow)
- Garden shovel/spade
- Hand trowel
- Garden rake
- Wheelbarrow
- Garden gloves
- Wire brush
- Sander or sanding block
- Paintbrushes / mini-roller
- Broom
- Hose
- Lawn spreader (if seeding)
| Item | Store | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation-bed plants (perennials/annuals + shrubs/grasses, 10–15) | Lowe's | $200–$450 |
| Mulch, dark (12–20 bags) | Lowe's | $60–$120 |
| Landscape edging + weed-barrier fabric | Lowe's | $40–$100 |
| Garden soil / compost for bed amendment | Lowe's | $30–$70 |
| Grass seed + starter fertilizer (or sod for worst patches) | Lowe's | $40–$120 |
| Rust-inhibiting exterior metal paint + primer | Lowe's | $45–$90 |
| Prep + application supplies (wire brush, sandpaper, tape, drop cloth, brushes/roller) | Lowe's | $40–$70 |
| Pressure washer rental (½ day) + concrete cleaner | Lowe's Rental | $50–$90 |
Railing prep is non-negotiable for a lasting result — wire-brush and sand off all rust and flaking, spot-prime bare metal, and use a rust-inhibiting exterior paint. Paint on a dry, mild day, not in direct midday heat. Power-wash with care: keep spray angled and back from the vinyl siding and mortar joints — high pressure can drive water behind siding or chip mortar. The walkway concrete can take full pressure; the building cannot. Note sun exposure (looks like a sunny S/W wall) before buying plants so the family picks sun-tolerant varieties. Best planted in spring or fall — summer planting needs consistent watering, so confirm a hose/spigot is nearby. Confirm whether the lawn needs full reseeding or just patch repair. Siding, roof, foundation brick, windows, door, and the walkway structure all stay as-is.
One family comfortable with outdoor/yard work — great for a family with a teen or two who can put in the labor. A local landscaping company would be a natural business sponsor and could donate plants, mulch, or a crew.
Be the first to chip in toward this project's $1,150 goal.
Your family covers the materials and completes the build.
Chip in money — another family handles the work.