1882 Foundation

In September of 2021 the 1882 Foundation was generously awarded funding from Mellon Foundation’s Humanities in Place grantmaking program. This funding enabled 1882 to complete one of their most long awaited projects: a social work space and storytelling center.

Main Floor - Multi-Purpose Meeting Space

The initial brief of this project was simple. Design a space where the staff and guests can gather, talk story, and continue their advocacy work. The building is well over 125 years old and was in dire need of serious repairs, so when contractor bids for this project exceeded expectations, TBD stepped in as a design-build partner, with BeCraft Plus Construction to ensure the project would meet our clients vision.

Partial Demolition of Existing Main Floor Space

Finished Main Floor - "Talk Story" Event Layout

Brandon assembling custom fabricated White Oak glass doors

Custom White Oak glass doors with handcrafted details

Supported by custom-fabricated elements, the space transforms finding moments of warmth within the details.

Carefully salvaged fretwork across the door frame with repurposed ceiling tile above the handcrafted fireplace mantle

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Main Floor - Lounge

The 1882 Foundation's mission of public awareness demanded a space that fosters openness and inclusivity. Natural light and flexibility guided the interior design from spatial layout to bespoke details.

On the main floor, restored doors pocket into a translucent, wood-framed polycarbonate wall, balancing historic character with contemporary lightness. In the basement, an oversized glass sliding door connects the kitchen to workspace, enhancing visibility and circulation while ushering natural light from the enlarged rear glazed opening.

Existing Lower Level Space through Demolition

Lower Level Team Lab with Custom Pingfeng Folding Divider

Sound Proof Oral History Recording Room and Workspace with Kitchen and Back Patio Beyond

Reclaimed Oversized Glass Door Connects the Renovated Kitchen to the Workspace, Offering both Openness and Separation

The resulting space harmonizes a sense of expression and lightness. This departure from normal office space conventions progressed alongside the exploration of the building's history.

TBD Team Uncovering Original Brick Finish

To celebrate the building's continuity, portions of the past were exposed. This blend between it's history and newfound life defines the space.

Pin-up Boards mirror the design aesthetic of traditional Pingfeng, or art screens/room dividers

The 1882 Foundation hosts diverse public programs, from health initiatives to community outreach. Engaging with the staff and cultural advisors helped create a welcoming, flexible environment that supports a wide range of users. Exposed brick, original fireplaces and reclaimed materials celebrate the building’s history. This commitment to meaningful client engagement a collaborative design process allowed us to weave the history of the building and the important work of 1882 into every detail.

Omar Hakeem, Principal, To Be Done Studio, and Ted Gong, Executive Director, 1882 Foundation