2130 James M Wood Boulevard

An organization that represents labor unions occupies an obsolete 1950s structure in a near-downtown location in the midst of a community of need. The union is seeking to redevelop its property for a new administrative headquarters, but wanted to explore the feasibility of additional program and design concepts that would support the community.

Estolano LeSar Advisors (advisors and research), with JKA (architecture and costs) and the Maxima Group (financial and real estate feasibility), were hired to research innovative union development programs, develop scenarios for client consideration, and explore their design and financial feasibility. JKA was specifically responsible for research related to planning entitlements, design concepts, and the development of construction cost estimates.

Based upon a series of brainstorm meetings with the organization and research of national precedents, a program was developed that featured the required administrative facilities as well as a training facility, apprentice housing, and both indoor and outdoor community meeting facilities at both the grade level and rooftops that could be used for union meetings, local organizing, as well as neighborhood events. Plans, renderings, and cost estimates were developed to establish fund-raising requirements as well as foster the support of the various local unions and the surrounding community.