Costello House, Walker Terrace: genesis of a community

Activity: Samaan Tree Series
Topics: Urban planning, architecture, social history
Date: Tuesday 16th April, 2024
Time: 11.00 AM (Guyana/ New York), 4.00 PM UK
YouTube: https://youtu.be/6tsmNAyyIKM

EVENT:              Samaan Tree Series
TITLE:                Costello House-Walker Terrace
DATE:                Tuesday 16th April 2024
TIME:                11.00 AM Guyana
YouTube Link:   https://youtu.be/6tsmNAyyIKM

Costello House Walker Terrace was an early housing scheme in Georgetown, British Guiana, built in the 1950s. Costello House was a community of 100 or so houses. This panel of former residents shares their memories of growing up there, which one recalls as ‘a rich shared experience.’ As another says: ‘Guyana can take a leaf out of the book of Costello Housing Scheme and Walker Terrace. These areas exemplified how diversity, when embraced and celebrated, can enrich the fabric of a community.’

TIMELINE
00:20 The architect and planner: Michael Costello
02:49 Introduction: Dr Desmond Thomas
07:43 Physical Structure and Location: Marilyn Thijs
15:54 Financing: Paula Drakes
20:03 The community spirit and diversity: Roxanne (Armstrong) Brancker
29:50 Facilities and actvities: Curtis Fraser
39:08 National contributions by residents: Vibert La Rose
50:27 The design: Dr Desmond Thomas