Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation Headquarters

Location: Detroit, MI
Status: Completed

The historic church rectory building has been transformed to become the new headquarters of the Vera & Joseph Dresner Foundation, a philanthropic organization with a mission to provide grants focused on health, youth and families, and animal welfare. The move brings VJDF closer to the communities they support, on a campus-like site shared with other non-profit leaders.  

The overall vision of the project was to create a clean and modern environment for staff and visitors that respects the original historic quality of the structure. Small rooms were combined to create larger collaboration spaces while maintaining private offices for staff productivity. Removing portions of the ceiling on the second floor allowed for new skylights, filling the once-dark space with daylight. Accessibility was improved with the addition of a new exterior ramp and accessible restroom and kitchenette on the ground floor. Investment in the creative reuse of a historic building such as this is vital to our mission as community based practice.