Remaking Reid Street

On a chilly January evening, three Chatham Hall students stepped into a very real civic role. Addy A. ’27, Kennissa B. ’27, and Abby S. ’27 stood before the Chatham Town Council not as observers but as thoughtful advocates for the town where Chatham Hall resides.

The three students have been interning at the Mayor's Office in Chatham for January Term. Their charge was simple but ambitious: find something in town that could be improved. With their observation skills at the ready, the students walked the two square miles of downtown Chatham, looking closely at streets, sidewalks, and spaces through a lens of care and possibility. Their attention returned to Reid Street.

Reid Street is one of Chatham’s quiet treasures. First built in the 1850s and renovated in the early 2000s, it is lined with antique brick pavers and granite curbing that speak to the town’s history and craftsmanship. But time has taken its toll. Uneven bricks, invasive vegetation, and long-settled sections of sidewalk have turned a historic asset into a growing safety concern. Trip hazards, sunken areas, and sharp elevation changes make the street increasingly difficult to navigate for pedestrians.

On January 12, 2026, the students presented their findings and a carefully researched proposal to the Town Council as part of their presentation, Remaking Reid Street.

They began by outlining the current state of the street, noting that the sidewalk spans roughly 640 feet and has become jagged and unstable after more than a century and a half of weather, traffic, and erosion. Weeds growing between bricks are not just cosmetic issues; they accelerate separation and weaken the street’s structure. Without intervention, the students explained, deterioration will only worsen, increasing repair costs and risking permanent damage to historic materials.

From there, they moved to solutions.

Their proposal centered on balancing preservation with safety and accessibility. Public safety and ADA compliance were front and center, while honoring Reid Street’s historic character remained a priority. The students recommended preserving the existing sidewalk width and alignment, maintaining granite curbs, and reinstalling brick pavers that match the historic look of the street.

They explored brick patterns in detail, suggesting either a traditional stretcher bond to closely mirror the current design or a herringbone pattern, which offers added durability. Importantly, they proposed recycling the original antique bricks wherever possible, supplemented by pallets already in storage, ensuring continuity with the past.

One of the most forward-thinking elements of their plan was what lies beneath the surface. Rather than simply replacing bricks, the students proposed installing a six-inch reinforced concrete base under the pavers. This structural upgrade would dramatically improve longevity, reduce future maintenance needs, and protect the investment for decades to come.

The presentation was clear, thorough, and grounded in genuine care for the town. It reflected hours of research, walking, measuring, observing, and asking thoughtful questions. More than that, it demonstrated what happens when young people are invited into real-world problem-solving and trusted with meaningful responsibility.

Addy, Abbey, and Kennissa did more than imagine a better Reid Street. They showed what engaged citizenship looks like and reminded everyone in the room that leadership can begin with simply paying attention to the places we love.