MSR Design of Minneapolis, Minn provided their design services to convert a 1970s, two-story office building into The Link’s new headquarters.
A nonprofit organization founded in 1991 to help dis-empowered youth living in impoverished neighborhoods, The Link provides in-home and in-community truancy intervention services; family support; community out-reach and training; affordable, supportive housing; and after-school and summer programs for at-risk youth. MSR Design provided $30,000 in pro bono design services to convert a 1970s, two-story, 5,000-square-foot office building into The Link’s new headquarters.
“Today’s youth are faced with many challenges and obstacles that seem insurmountable,” observes Rachelle Schoessler Lynn, FASID, CID, LEED Fellow, senior associate/interior designer at MSR and ASID national president. “The Link provides a place of hope and security for these young people. Every effort to change the future view from a life of despair to a view of peace and prosperity leads to a healthy community all around. This project designed by MSR has given these kids a place to be proud of and provides a positive surrounding that will boost their confidence, hopefully for the rest of their lives.”
5,000 sq. ft. building | $30,000 donated in pro bono services
The exterior renovation features new signage to the building’s street facade, a new roof, a reconfigured parking lot, and pro bono landscaping design by Close Landscape Architecture, with plants and benches donated by local suppliers. The interior renovation entailed bringing the building up to code, modernizing the HVAC systems, and conducting asbestos testing and abatement, while reusing existing walls and doors by refinishing and relocating them. A key focal point of the new facility is the new youth room designed for interaction among youth and their families in order to strengthen familial relations and individual development. A flexible conference area accommodates large and small groups and provides an ideal location for board meetings.
Interior Impact is an ongoing feature of pro bono projects by ASID members participating in The 1% program. Expand your opportunities and make pro bono service an integral part of your practice. Visit www.theonepercent.org.
