CityView Magazine

ways to create a window that would meet regulations. His answer? A metal shutter set on a heat sensor, tied to the alarm system. The shutter closes auto- matically when the alarm is triggered. The building met code requirements and Mayor Chavonne got his Market Square view. The Chavonne's home also reflects the importance of family, coziness and easy entertaining. Though limited in space, Leath managed to create an open floor plan with spaces flowing from per- sonal to functional to social, simultane- ously allowing as much natural light as possible to stream into the space. Where windows were not an option, skylights were installed. This helped create a home begging to be enjoyed. "The boys love this space," said Joanne Chavonne with delight. "They will friends over to cookout and enjoy the downtown views from the rooſtop." The Chavonne's life-changing in- vestment is one which is building upon itself. Old structures continue to be sold and businesses continue making downtown their home. Until recently, Hay Street had enjoyed the bulk of downtown revitalization, but now Per- bring their son Street has begun to follow suit. The Chavonne's home may currently stand on the edge of development, but they know that's not the case for long. "This is not the end of downtown revitaliza- tion," said Mayor Chavonne, "I think this is an exciting time for downtown for the next few years." One of the most exciting trends un- folding alongside the historic district's urban renewal, is the influx of military members who call it home. The new downtown digs are appealing to young professional soldiers, many of whom have lived in urban settings before. More than ever, young singles and mar- ried couples are breaking with suburban traditions and moving downtown. The Chavonnes, who have actively cham- pioned Ft. Bragg families for years, couldn't be more thrilled. "[Our sol- diers] are a very important part of our community," Joanne Chavonne said. "We are blessed to live in a community with the real heroes of today and that brings with it a responsibility," — a re- sponsibility Joanne Chavonne has taken very seriously, volunteering thousands of hours of her time for soldiers and military families. In their efforts to see downtown revitalized, the Chavonnes have expanded their military support, perhaps without realizing its rippling effect. They — along with other com- mitted residents — are helping redefine 'typical' for the typical military town; raising the bar for military towns across the nation and expanding the horizons of local support and pride in our local military personnel. When reflecting on the past eight years, all the Chavonnes can do is re- peat this simple word: "special". From never looking back to never looking elsewhere, Tony and Joanne Chavonne now can't help but look forward now, and they couldn't be more proud to call downtown Fayetteville their home. They remember that moment of confir- mation: an overwhelming sense of peace and blessing as they looked out from their newly finished rooſtop. They stood with their family, as the sunset perfectly illuminated historic Market Square, the church spires and their vibrant down- town. "We may live in other places in other times," said Mayor Chavonne quietly reflecting back to that moment, "but there will never be a more special home." CV CityViewNC.com | 21

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