The idea of third spaces — places that are not home or work — is something that has become a part of the culture conversation in recent years. As people look for more connection, they’ve realized there are fewer of these spaces where they can gather with friends, have a chance conversation with a neighbor, or simply sit and be alone together.
But the SoHy Co-op in Hyattsville, MD set out to create one of these third places in its own backyard. As an organization dedicated to bringing more live music, local art, and visitors to downtown Hyattsville, they were eager to create a space that would bring the community together, amplify the visibility of small businesses, spotlight local visual and performing artists, and increase foot traffic to the area.
The SoHy team developed The Spot to serve as that space. The idea came to life during Covid as an outdoor community space built for everyone. Located right off the bike trail and next to Franklins Brewery, this community area is a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere for friends and family to meet up, socialize, and enjoy food and drink. It’s a setting for gatherings and enjoying fresh air in a safe and peaceful place.
“The Spot has emerged as a wonderful community hub where everyone is welcome. Residents gather for a live music show, watch a dance performance, or simply have lunch with a friend,” says Bronwyn King, Co-Founder of SoHy. “SoHy Co-op loves this little corner of Hyattsville and remains steadfast in its mission to attract new visitors to the area.”
Part of their mission to provide this space for the community included introducing more visitors to utilize the space. Starting in 2024, they began hosting live music on the final Friday of each month, and they encouraged the community to bring a picnic and hang out while enjoying the local music.
But to do that, they needed more seating. SoHy went to Community Forklift with an application for a Community Building Blocks grant, and, thanks to the receipt of that grant, they were able to bring pre-loved furniture to The Spot. The furniture included a five-piece wooden outdoor patio set and two iron outdoor chairs.
“Community Forklift has been very generous in their support of SoHy Co-op,” says King. “The grant allowed us to bring already loved furniture to The Spot so that people could enjoy performances in comfort. Painting the furniture turned into a community event, which was another great way to bring folks out to The Spot.”
Community Building Blocks grants, like the one SoHy Co-op received, enable non-profits and community groups across the DC metro area to bring their vision of community spaces to life. If your group or organization has a project that could benefit from a CBB grant, you can find information on applying here. We would love to hear about your work and how you are making an impact on the world around you.
And, if you want to visit The Spot or learn more about SoHy Co-op’s work, follow them on Instagram at @sohy_coop, where they share what’s going on in their vibrant corner of the Hyattsville community.
“The grant allowed us to bring already loved furniture to The Spot so that people could enjoy performances in comfort. Painting the furniture turned into a community event, which was another great way to bring folks out to The Spot.”
Every time you donate or shop at Community Forklift, you’re helping us lift up local communities through reuse. We turn the construction waste stream into a resource stream for communities in the DC region – by keeping perfectly good items out of the landfill, preserving historical materials, providing low-cost building supplies, and creating local green jobs.
