Possible Usage
Of The
Physical Space
Interpretive Use of Space in The Home
Use of the spaces in The Home will support the mission and the interpretative themes in many more ways than those listed below.
There are differing ideas on how to approach the usage – chronological? Biographical? Thematic? i.e. Music, Family, Spirit, or some other headings. These are things to keep in mind as we move through the process with experts and consultants.
Gates, driveway up to The Home, front lawn :
- Gates restored to original white
- Driveway leading up to Home refurbished
- Front lawn left as it was during Coltranes’ residence
- Wide green expanse with natural plantings
- Replica of the statuary
- Small parking area to side of garage, but ideally parking and entry through the neighboring lot if acquired
Walkway, plantings, brick façade, stoop :
- Walkway and brick façade including front and back stoop full removal and replacement/restoration per the structure’s report generated for us pro bono from Thorton Tomasetti
- Plantings, front lawn, and all grounds usage including possible mediation garden to be included and specified in Nelson Byrd Landscaping plan currently in process made possible by specific granting from The National Historic Trust
Entry to Home :
- Via the front door
- Entry into living room open space with opportunity for visitor seating
- Interactive introduction to Home with biographical material, music features, exhibits possibly including some original furnishings i.e. rugs/instruments, selections from Fuji’s archives
Alternatively, entrance may be through the left side door off front porch, leading down through garage with entrance kiosk, merchandise for sale etc.
The Meditation room ideally remains as was with its original rose window restored (Steve Fulgoni procured the original window for The Home), serving as a space where visitors may sit quietly, meditate, or if in session, take a meditation or yoga class.
The smaller front bedroom may be used for the artist in residence or as an office. As might the purple bedroom. The room next to the kitchen looking out over the backyard will also have exhibits and a place to sit with the opportunity to listen music etc. and engage interactively with a “Coltrane is……” interactive video/audio exhibit.
Upstairs the main exhibit will be the room where “A Love Supreme” was composed. There will be stations to listen to the album and hear Alice Coltrane’s recorded voice recalling that time. There will be interactive exhibits explaining the significance both musically and spiritually of this piece as well as photos of the score/liner notes, poems etc.
The former walk-in attic upstairs will be a small, private office space. There is the possibility of a skylight being added as the office space will have no natural light.
The downstairs will be devoted to the refurbished and fully functional recording studio and rehearsal space. This will provide a space for young people to rehearse and record through an in-house music program and provide a viable revenue stream for The Home going forward. There will be a public restroom and kitchenette downstairs as well.
The downstairs studio will focus on Alice Coltrane’s musical legacy.
The only specified plan for the grounds as of now is a mediation garden – serene, elegant, and low impact in continuity with the interpretive theme of spirituality and reflection.
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I want to be a force for good
John Coltrane
The Music is in your heart, your soul, your spirit
Alice Coltrane