Four students from North Carolina A&T University defied a racial segregation policy by asking to be served at the all-white section of the lunch counter of Woolworth’s in Greensboro, NC on February 1, 1960. The four students were never served, but their actions created a wave of sit-in movements that became a pivotal part of the Civil Rights Movement.

The power of the actions of Ezzell Blair, Jr., Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil, and David Richmond is still felt 45 years later. In commemoration of their actions, an International Civil Rights Center and Museum is being established at the old Woolworth’s site. Anderson & Associates has been collecting data to help the contractor, Weaver-Cooke Construction, and architect, The Freelon Group, assess the floor conditions and design new entrances and facades.

Survey Manager Michael Davis was humbled by the opportunity to work on a project with such historical significance. Michael said, "The steps to the basement are deeply worn from the thousands of people who shopped at the old ‘five and dime.’ I wonder if they could have ever known the significance this building would have in American History."

Efforts are being made to preserve the detail on the outside of the building, carefully crafted in an Art Deco/Gothic style of architecture. Modern amenities, such as escalators, are being added to the interior of the building to make it accessible to everyone.

David Dehoff recently joined Anderson & Associates as a project manager, bringing his expertise in stormwater management and over 10 years of consulting experience. David, a licensed Professional Engineer in Kentucky, has a personal goal to become a stormwater resource for A&A and the community.

An interest in the flow of water and a research position in graduate school led David into this field. One of the reasons that David has remained in the stormwater field is to enhance public safety. David said, "The Hydraulics and Hyrdrology field safely provides for stormwater passage and enables humans to safely live near flood prone areas."

David, a graduate of The University of New Mexico with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s in Civil Engineering, has experience in stormwater modeling as well as design of dams, bridges, and other stormwater infrastructure. "Most of my experience has been self-taught as I have worked for smaller consulting firms that did not already have expertise in stormwater."