Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Parks. Them and their team share their story with us below:
President and CEO/Co-Founder Lauren Parks has led the mission of the rebirth of the childhood home of Miles Dewey Davis, which had been unoccupied for at least 15 years (see one of the before and after pics)! Deciding to use her personal funds and resources, Lauren Parks contacted her friend of 40+ years, Gary Pearson, and forged ahead to take on this challenge with dedication, determination, genuineness, and grit!
How did this property become available? While Lauren was working as the Executive Assistant to the Mayor of East St. Louis (2007-2015), there was a visit from a couple of Miles’ relatives ( most of his relatives live out of the area). They were interested in donating the house to a non-profit. We were told most were not interested and one organization wanted to move the house. About a month or so later, Lauren saw the property address on the demolition list! She contacted a long-time friend, Gary, to explain the situation. They formed a nonprofit in order to save the house! After acquiring the 1920s structure, Lauren Parks and Gary Pearson secured the house and began the planning stages of how and what it would become. The structure was found to be structurally sound, after having it assessed (pro-bono; thank you!) by a local engineering firm, and shortly thereafter Parks and Pearson began creating/planning what would later become known as HOME (House of Miles East St. Louis), which is now deemed a Historic Site by the St. Clair County Historical Society!
The vision of what HOME would be quite intense as well and methodically developed in phases. Phase I began in 2015 and was ready for public consumption in 2016, with the opening of our 1st initial “Kind of Blue & You” celebration and fundraiser. The celebration allowed the community to see what Phase I included. Salvaging and restoring areas that were the original integrity of the home was first priority. Continuing with the newly (where necessary) renovation of the external and internal structure, excavation of all surrounding perimeters and grounds, donated HVAC installation, new windows, handicap accessible ramp, perimeter fencing, new vinyl siding, reconstructed floors that were salvageable, walls, ceilings, new plumbing, and electrical wiring just to name a few.
The soft opening in 2016 was set and went well with what was to become our annual event in honor of Miles Dewey Davis and his legacy.
Parks and Pearson didn’t stop there, Phases II and III would follow immediately after the initial phase. Phase II began in July 2020, with the renovation of the outside entertainment courtyard, stage, deck, surveillance office, multipurpose garage/ lab, demolition of adjacent grounds for courtyard seating, and removal of surrounding trees and forestry to create the extended outside entertainment venue. The upstairs of the house has been transformed into a music lab that was co-created with our students. We allowed them to suggest what the learning venue and experience should look like. In the lab, several instruments theories are learned by our student’s direct engagement with our facilitators and instructors.
Across from HOME, Parks and Pearson also began creating HOME’s Educational Enrichment Center, located at 1636 Missouri Avenue (which was acquired later). This structure, built in the late 1800s serves as our second educational component. Phase I & II began here with the development of our agricultural program, which includes an organic garden and beekeeping. The Muttigree (animal) program teaches and reinforces the social and emotional development of our youth by instilling compassion and empathy while supporting strays that would otherwise be euthanized.
Phase II also included developing a healthy eating and living component to reinforce those values. Parks and Pearson created a leadership component called Sigma Leadership Development. In order to keep the focus on the holistic student, an exercise pad has been constructed which will aid the physical fitness curriculum “Movement with Miles”.
Phase II also included securing the perimeter of The HOME’s Enrichment Center by replacing and installing a newly constructed concrete driveway and new perimeter fencing, which will support the exercise and dog curriculum. Our organic gardening program will be receiving support with the creation of The Solar Panel Organic Butterfly Lab. Construction of the lab has begun with the demolition and construction of a new concrete floor, which will serve as the solar lab in part of the garage area. The butterfly (HOME’s logo) will be given life through the process of developing a butterfly house with the aid of solar power. Each student will be facilitated in the process and life creation of this endangered species. Milkweed will serve as the platform for the larvae while life is being created in the lab during the incubation cycle and process. Once the life is created, the student will engage in supporting the butterflies as they help and assist in the pollination of our organic garden located adjacent to the lab.
Phase III will include the development and construction of our lower level, located at 1701 Kansas, where Miles developed his first band and where he often practiced. This venue will be called “MILES’ CELLAR”. The purpose of this particular piece is basically fundraising and promotion and support of our educational programming. The cellar will be constructed and serve as an entertainment component that will be able to hold numerous bottles of wine. The Cellar will be open while encouraging each patron to sponsor a private event at the cellar. Each patron will be encouraged to invite small groups of family/friends in hopes that bottles of wine are left and stored in the cellar. Each wine bottle stored will generate a monthly donation. This will also encourage others to return to host future events, in support of our educational programs.
Phase III & beyond also will include the construction and renovation of our newly acquired property at 1709 Kansas Avenue. House of Miles East St. Louis (HOME) team will develop and create HOME’s Recording Studio-Studio 100, as well as other developments which include and continue to “tell a story” of Miles’ formative years in East St. Louis.
House of Miles East St. Louis (HOME) is a non-profit 501(c)3 that provides educational enrichment opportunities, including tours by appointment, at the restored East St. Louis childhood home of artist extraordinaire, Miles Davis!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
House of Miles East St. Louis (HOME) is a non-profit 501(c)3 that provides educational enrichment opportunities, including tours by appointment, at the restored East St. Louis childhood home of artist extraordinaire, Miles Davis!
Miles Davis is one the most innovative, influential, and respected figures in the history of music. He is credited with changing the course of music four-to-five times and has been at the forefront of jazz for decades, setting trends ad exploring musical styles from “beebop through cool jazz, fusion, and funk”. He is a timeless genius whose restless musical exploration made him a hero to many. His landmark album” kind of Blue” remains the most significant and greatest-selling jazz album of all time! Congress unanimously honored “Kind of Blue” by the passing of H. Con. Res. 894, reaffirming the work as a national treasure.
We are proud to be a part of preserving and honoring his legacy by continuing to recognize his “cool” by celebrating his music, art, fashion, style; and our “cool”-constantly operating on love”. His wide appeal continues to cross all musical genres and demographics.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
We are most grateful for ALL, ( past, current, and future) donors and community partners! Contact us at: houseofmilesestl@gmail.com and visit our website: www.houseofmilesestl.org for ways to donate and collaborate!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.houseofmilesestl.org
- Facebook: House of Miles East St. Louis
