KIDS FIRST COLLABORATIVE
Located in Manchester, Richmond, this adaptive reuse project converted a former warehouse into a warm, inviting office space housing four non-profit organizations centered on children's education and growth. The existing masonry exterior was carefully preserved and historic wood and steel windows were refinished, giving them new life.
Within the space, each organization has their own 'neighborhood' while collectively sharing centralized amenity spaces, that welcomes collaboration and community. These spaces are defined by curving wood slat walls that allow natural light to filter through. The new white walls and baltic birch wood slats respectfully frame the warm, weathered existing wood roof deck, joists, beams and columns throughout the space. Electrical systems are concealed within existing joist bays while mechanical ducts are arranged to highlight existing structural elements. Multiple skylights bring in soft, diffuse light to warm the central collaborative spaces.
What was once a mechanics garage at the rear of the building, is now a large shared training room. Sets of historic wood barn doors were preserved and fixed in place, while new storefront windows infill the former garage door openings, connecting the space to an outdoor patio filled with native landscaping.
Location: Richmond, VA
Date: 2022
Size: 14,750 SF