Waters Café is the transformation of an abandoned phone shop on Savannah’s Waters Avenue into a vibrant, community-centered café — and a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization. Located just outside downtown Savannah, the area had long been overlooked in favor of tourist-focused development. This project sought to bring life, color, and gathering space back to a street once lined with boarded-up buildings.

Working closely with the client, a local artist, I helped redesign the storefront into a visually bold, welcoming public space. The design was led by community values, featuring a custom exterior mural, vivid colors, and an eclectic interior filled with handmade elements. As construction unfolded, so did the interior design — evolving organically through found objects, salvaged materials, and contributions from local artists. Broken tiles became countertops; scraps from past art projects became light fixtures and wall décor.

The café became a true community effort, with many residents and businesses donating time, money, or materials. In recognition, every item in the space — from chairs and tables to decorative elements — carries a plaque honoring a donor, making the café not just a business but a collective achievement.