Making Music Matters

June 21st is National Make Music Day. This day was initiated to motivate us to create our own euphonious melody.

While searching for suitable music for our cards collection, we discovered a music store in the neighborhood. Within less than a quarter mile from our community metro station, Chuck Levin’s Music Center’s vibrant and eclectic facade catches our eye. The music center was first founded back in 1958. After the riots in Washington, DC, the store relocated to its current location.

A bright-red marquee across the building highlighted its uniqueness on the street; the extended canopy provides pedestrians a temporary refugee space on a rainy day. The full-height windows cover more than 60 percent of their storefront with a telling story. With its other artisan mural facing the neighbor’s property, this two-story store gave us a reason to slow down our pace. Walking on this barrier-free sidewalk has become a daily pleasure.

The Center’s visually pleasing storefront reminded us of a sustainable design principle.

“ To improve public health by providing a safe, appealing and comfortable street environment that encourages daily physical activities and avoids pedestrian injuries.” — LEED Neighborhood Development, Walkable Street.

On this momentous day, we place this card on the desk. May the LEED ND reference be our guide when we help with the project next time.