Cleveland Foundation HQ

Project Narrative
The Cleveland Foundation Headquarters is a 55,000-square-foot institutional project in Cleveland’s Hough District, designed to serve both the Foundation and the broader community. Positioned at the intersection of Euclid Avenue and East 66th Street, the building bridges city, neighborhood, and park contexts, drawing from the industrial character of the area while integrating nature from adjacent Dunham Park through terraces and a grand “community stair.” Its mass timber construction and warm, porous wood-and-glass façade reflect transparency, optimism, and engagement, while flexible office and meeting spaces accommodate the Foundation’s operations. Half of the building is dedicated to public amenities, including a café, multipurpose studio, conference center, and art exhibition space, creating a true community hub.

This project represents the Foundation’s first sidewalk-level presence in over 100 years, emphasizing accessibility, cultural heritage, and equitable development in historically underinvested neighborhoods. The headquarters co-locates with Neighborhood Connections, supports flexible and collaborative work environments, and showcases art and community programming, including the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards installation. Located on a remediated former factory site along a major transit corridor, the building exemplifies the Foundation’s mission-driven approach, transforming place while strengthening Cleveland’s social and civic fabric. S9 Architecture collaborated with Executive Architect Vocon to realize a design that is both functional and emblematic of community engagement and transformation.