CHARLESTON, S.C.— Contemporary architecture firm founders MATTEO RAPALLINI
and his wife MERCED RAPALLINI are excited to announce that the SOUTH CAROLINA
COMMUNITY LOAN FUND (SCCLF) has agreed to support their next step in improving
their neighborhood by providing financing for a new mixed-use neighborhood facility.
STUDIOMA ARCHITECTURE INC. is located on Magnolia Road in MaryvilleAshleyville,
a historically black community. Their space is a deftly reworked former auto
body shop, the design of which has received national attention from architectural
heavyweights like DWELL magazine.
SCCLF Chief Lending Officer JAMES CHATFIELD, said, “Your desire to impart positive
change within the community is palpable and energizing. The Avondale community is
lucky to have the two of you as advocates and ambassadors.”
SCCLF is a statewide nonprofit, Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)
that “transforms and revitalizes communities throughout South Carolina by financing
projects that provide housing, access to food and essential services, attract businesses,
employ community members and stimulate economic activity.” Through their loans and
technical assistance, the SCCLF strengthens “the social and economic fabric of local
communities” and empower communities to affect their own transformations.
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CEO Matteo has worked on projects ranging from mansions at KIAWAH to affordable
housing for veterans. He and his wife now envision transforming the properties
adjoining their studio into a neighborhood resource and a destination for those using the
adjoining WEST ASHLEY BIKEWAY.
Plans include a multi-use facility, FRAMEWORKS COURT, that combines first-floor
restaurant and café space and an art gallery, and work-live space upstairs for local
artists. Additionally, they envision including a children’s library for the neighborhood kids,
something that other funding sources haven’t kept up with the pace of local dreams.
Merced is planning on a Zen garden connecting the existing and proposed buildings,
replete with a murals decorating both, a move that hearkens back to the “Old Country.”
Matteo’s cousin, Marco Salerno, was recently honored in their hometown of La Spezia,
Italy, with a series of murals for his efforts in public works.
For more information, please call 843-620-4455, or go to www.studiomaarchitects.com,
or visit the studio at 824 Magnolia Road, West Ashley, 29407
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