Willians Silva and Lois Athey have worked for years in the Buckingham community starting with BU-GATA, a tenants association. This redevelopment project is "the model" for the rest of Arlington, Silva said. Finding the right partner is key. "Telesis [Corp.] understands the rights of the people to live here," he said, adding that the company understands minorities and cultures.
"To work on a property in the middle of Arlington is a real treat," said Bert Mason, pictured with Reshma Holla. During introductory remarks, Holla said, "We were able to preserve the long-term community, the people who have lived here for years." Holla and Mason work for Telesis Corporation which redeveloped and manages the apartment complex. Mason added that Arlington County was a great partner in the project.
County board member Walter Tejada said the county chose Telesis corporation to buy and manage the property because they promised to preserve the community. "I'm proud to have been a part of this effort," Tejada said.
Walter Tejada poses for a picture with the Buckingham Youth Brigade. He is holding "United Grounds" a book the BYB published to document the murals inside the new community center. At left is BYB director Alyssa Duda.
Ivana Escobar and Nory Flores are members of the Buckingham Youth Brigade, a program that works with high schoolers from all Buckingham apartment complexes. They helped to paint the murals inside the new community center.
