Student makes benches for Detroit bus stops

DETROIT, July 17 (UPI) -- A Detroit college student who created book-filled benches for city bus stops said his project has gotten him orders from paying customers.

Charles Molnar, 23, a student at Wayne State University, said he started placing benches with books for commuters to read at city bus stops about two months ago and the seats are made from wood reclaimed from demolished houses, the Detroit Free Press reported Wednesday.

Detroit Department of Transportation officials initially said they would remove benches that hadn't been approved by the city, but Molnar said he met with city engineers to ensure his benches conform to regulations and have the proper paperwork for maintenance.

DDOT Assistant Director Angelica Jones confirmed Molnar met with engineers.

"He has to follow city protocol for the benches," Jones said.

Molnar said his bench project, which has thus far resulted in eight benches being placed at city bus stops, has resulted in numerous orders for benches and other objects made from reclaimed wood. He said he is currently working on benches and picnic tables for the Heidelberg Project area, which he said will be clad in the area's signature polka dot pattern.

"That's gonna be awesome," Molnar said.

Molnar said the high demand for his work has led to him assembling volunteers to help with the work.

"It's been crazy how much we're doing," he said. "But there will be another one at a bus stop soon."