The Reading Room
st. paul, MN
Photo Credit: Spacecrafting Photography
The Reading Room
Our client’s vision was to make Black dignity visible through history, empowerment, access to diverse reading materials, and shared cultural and artistic programming.
Owned by a nonprofit committed to fostering positive impact within a multi-racial society, the project was funded entirely through donations and is located on the ground floor of a new affordable housing development in St. Paul. Anchored in the history of the Pullman Porters, the space communicates messages of inclusivity and perseverance while connecting local labor history with modern civil rights issues.
Our design approach sought to create a space that speaks to a broader human experience and the ties that bind communities together. By blending old and new elements, incorporating the work of local artisans, and applying Universal Design principles, we helped bring this important history to life while supporting a larger purpose: honoring and upholding Black dignity in the face of injustice.
Awards & Accolades
Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine August 2018
Minneapolis Home & Design September 2018
ASID MN Design Award Winner 2018