Confluence: A Vision of Growth, Sustainability, and Hope for the Small Town of Cairo, Illinois
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Abstract
Small towns across the United States are facing several
social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Declining and aging populations, inadequate or lack
of housing, and struggling economies are some of the
many issues that plague small town America.
The town of Cairo, Illinois in particular stands out due
to its drastic population loss, food and housing shortages,
and severe urban blight. The people of Cairo
have tried to bring their town back, but have been unsuccessful
in their efforts. This presents a unique opportunity
to revive this dying community through architecture.
This thesis aims to provide a solution that
addresses the glaring issues facing small towns like
Cairo, Illinois, by designing a mixed-use development
that promotes growth, sustainability, and hope for the
local residents.