For Charity Edison Carter, transforming a defunct retail center at Fuqua Street and Blueridge Road, isn’t just about construction—it’s about creating a legacy of community, culture and opportunity.
The Edison Arts Foundation, which she founded, broke ground on Phase 2 of the Robert & Bertha Edison Cultural Arts Center in September, marking a major milestone in her years-long effort to bring arts, education, and essential resources to the Fort Bend-Houston area.
“This project has been a journey—one of faith, perseverance and a deep commitment to the people who call this community home,” Carter said. “We’ve had to navigate so many hurdles, but the vision keeps us going.”
A hub for the arts and community growth
Phase 2 of the cultural arts center will introduce several major facilities designed to make the performing arts and community resources more accessible. Carter outlined the key elements of this expansion, which include:
- A 400+ seat performing arts theater
- A 165-seat black box theater
- State-of-the-art dance studios
- An after-school youth center with computer labs
- A community park and green space
- Restaurants and a healthcare facility
The first elements of the expansion will open in September, beginning with the transition of the Edison Arts Foundation’s after-school program into its new youth center. Soon after, Carter said, business tenants and restaurants will begin moving into leased spaces, further activating the revitalized area.
“We’re creating a space where the community can gather, learn and grow,” said Troy Carter, Charity’s husband and director of Government Affairs. “This won’t just be a place where people come to see performances. We’re partnering with dance organizations, healthcare providers and businesses to make sure this space serves everyone. It’s about creating a home for the arts and a place where people feel welcome.”
A project rooted in legacy and perseverance
***Rendering of the complex.
Carter, whose parents inspired the center’s name, emphasized that family, community and arts are the guiding pillars of the Edison Arts Foundation.
“They represent the core values of our foundation,” Carter said. “From my parents, who always believed in hard work, to the rich legacy of the people in this community who deserve to see their dreams supported—this project is for them.”
The $56 million redevelopment effort hasn’t come without its challenges. Phase 1, which brought a 126-unit affordable housing complex, was completed in 2021 at a cost of $26 million. The second phase, originally estimated at $31 million, has grown to $50 million due to inflation and rising construction costs.
“It hasn’t been easy,” Carter admitted. “But we surround ourselves with a strong team. We’ve partnered with architects, developers and the city to push this forward. It’s a learning process for all of us, but we persevere.”
“We are so proud to have this come to our community. I’m really excited to be a part of this,” said Ft. Bend County Commissioner Grady Prestage. “This project is difficult. But if it were easy, it would be done. Every day there was something that could sink this project. But there is some consolation in knowing that we have tenacious missionaries in Charity and Troy who are determined to bring this center to the community.”
Funding and support: A community effort
Carter credited local and federal support, along with major philanthropic contributions, for making the project possible.
“Our funding has come from so many places—our community, our city and our supporters,” she said. “The George Foundation was one of the first to believe in us with a $2 million donation. Fort Bend County contributed another $2 million, and U.S. Rep. Al Green secured a $3 million congressional earmark. The City of Houston has given over $13 million, and we’ve received major backing from organizations like the Brown Foundation and the Houston Endowment.”
Despite the support, there’s still $6 million left to raise to complete the project.
“We’re not done yet,” Carter said. “But I know that when there’s a vision, there’s provision. We’ve come too far to stop now.”
A space that was loved before it was built
Troy Carter reflected on what the facility means to the community.
“A thing constructed can only be loved after it is built. But a thing created is loved before it even exists,” he said. “The Edison Arts Foundation embarked on a creation that has been loved from the beginning. The arts make a difference, and this center will be a place where every child who walks through its doors can dream bigger.”
Looking ahead: A grand opening with a powerful tribute
As the cultural arts center prepares for its official opening later this year, Carter revealed that a special tribute is being planned. A statue of Lauren Anderson, the first Black principal ballerina at the Houston Ballet, will stand outside the center, honoring Black excellence in the arts.
“Representation matters,” Carter said. “Young dancers and artists will walk past that statue and know that their dreams are valid—that their talents have a place here.”
As construction continues, Carter remains focused on her ultimate goal: revitalization without displacement.
“We’re not just building a center,” she said. “We’re making sure that the people who have been here—who have loved this community long before this project began—can stay and thrive. That’s what excites me the most.”
The Edison Arts Foundation’s revitalization project is not just about new buildings—it’s about ensuring that the Fort Bend-Houston area remains a vibrant, thriving place for generations to come.
