CLASS Headquarters Building
Community Living and Support Services (CLASS) is an organization whose mission is to advocate for people with disabilities.
CLASS purchased a former Foodland grocery store building with the goal of consolidating their administrative operations under one roof. Springboard Design was asked to assess the feasibility of the project and then develop an architectural design converting this ‘big box’ retail structure into a contemporary, LEED certified workplace for the diverse members of the team.
The design was developed to maximize natural daylight, internal views, and collaboration. Based upon the CLASS mission of building bridges between individuals with disabilities and those without, the workplace design emphasizes transparency and interconnectivity. Color was used strategically, to define and relate spatial layering throughout the facility. Three interior ‘clouds’ break up the large first floor workspace into three distinct zones, helping to create identity and intimacy in the large room.
Ron Ruppen, Facilities Director, CLASS:
“Community Living and Support Services, originally founded 60 + years ago as UCP Pittsburgh, has a long history of diversity and inclusion. Over the years, we have had the pleasure to work with Springboard Design on several projects, from 2 multi-million dollar renovation and reuse projects, to multiple other smaller modification and addition projects. We are currently working with Springboard on a large deck addition to our Swissvale facility. We have found Paul and Bill to be creative, collaborative, and responsive throughout the entire design and build out process. They understand the nuances of working within the non-profit world, and worked closely with our Staff and Board of Directors throughout the projects. As a non-profit, budget is always one of the key considerations in projects. Springboard has an understanding of this, and has been creative and innovative in dealing with design and construction related issues to protect or reduce the project budget. Personally, I have worked with Paul and Bill on most of our projects, and would engage their services again in the future without reservation.”
Photography by Alexander Denmarsh.