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Liberty University Design Students Construct ‘Tangled’ Playhouse for Rush Homes Fundraiser

Construction and Interior Design

Business Honor
21 April, 2025

Creative design meets community spirit in Parade of Playhouses charity partnership project.

A team of Liberty University interior design students has transformed creativity into community service by designing a “Tangled”-themed playhouse for Rush Homes’ second annual Parade of Playhouses event in Lynchburg, Virginia. The project brings together Liberty’s Department of Interior Design, the university’s Planning & Construction team, and local nonprofit Rush Homes in a collaboration that blends education, construction, and community impact.

The initiative began as a student competition in February, with participants challenged to design a playhouse inspired by children’s literature. Seniors Sydney Bohlmann, Taylor Garran, and Gabriella Pace emerged as the winners with a design modeled after the enchanted tower from Disney’s Tangled, drawing from Rapunzel’s story and the film’s vibrant color palette.

“This experience was such a rewarding way to apply our interior design training while giving back to the community,” Bohlmann said. “We wanted to create something magical and imaginative for children to enjoy.”

Once the design was chosen by Liberty leadership, including President Dondi E. Costin and Chancellor Jonathan Falwell, it was handed off to the Department of Planning & Construction. The team carefully crafted the whimsical playhouse, incorporating intricate details and durable materials to reflect the original student vision.

The playhouse is currently on display outside River Ridge Mall through April 24. It will then be featured at the main Parade of Playhouses event at City Stadium on April 26. Proceeds from the public raffle of the playhouse will benefit Rush Homes, which supports affordable housing solutions for families in need throughout Central Virginia.

“Collaborations like this help us do more for our community,” said Kate Goodman, director of development and marketing for Rush Homes. “Liberty University’s involvement truly amplifies our mission.”

The family-friendly fundraiser will include food trucks, games, bounce houses, face painting, and more. Liberty students will also volunteer during the event as part of the Serve Lynchburg initiative.