Sign House was the at times heart-rending attempt to take a former trap house and give it higher aspirations. It was located atop a hill along Sullivant Avenue, one of the most notorious streets in Columbus for drugs and prostitution. But on this busy street corner, where people regularly passed on their way to Salley's Market or to the local pool, there was a unique opportunity to make something magic happen. More than 50 community members had a hand in its making, from the Faces mural to the little free library. Children regularly climbed the hill to touch the mural and roll on the grass, or do an impromptu art project. It was the perfect "eyes on the street" place, as Jane Jacobs would have said. And it was my home for 2 years.