Rung for Women Headquarters
Building independence through place
- Client
- Rung for Women
- Location
- Missouri, United States
- Size
- 64,000 square feet
- Status
- Completed
Following an extensive property search, Rung for Women, a St. Louis–based nonprofit dedicated to empowering women to achieve sustained independence, identified an opportunity within a long-vacant warehouse in the Fox Park neighborhood. Our team partnered with the organization to envision a multi-phase transformation, beginning with the restoration, renovation and expansion of the historic 1920s Fox Brothers Manufacturing Building to establish Rung’s new headquarters. Building on the success of this initial phase, we were subsequently commissioned to lead the second phase expansion, extending the campus to support growing programs and services and advancing a long-term vision for the organization’s future.
Rung’s model is built on the co-location of educational, professional and economic resources delivered in partnership with multiple social service agencies. The architecture responds directly to this ambition, creating a place that supports holistic self-sufficiency while reinforcing dignity and belonging. The project transforms a long-abandoned city block and re-establishes a vital urban edge within Fox Park.
Architecturally, the project is rooted in the traditions of the historic building while clearly expressing its place in time. The entire exterior envelope was restored and tuckpointed using a specialty mortar composed of sands from the Mississippi River to match the strength and color of the 1920’s mortar mix. Custom windows were designed to match the historic window profiles.
The phase one addition employs brick in complementary tones assembled through contemporary bonding patterns, panelization and detailing. As visitors move through the building, the façade gradually introduces more glass and transparency, transitioning from the public-facing street to the more intimate courtyard entry. At the point of arrival, the architecture becomes fully transparent, dissolving boundaries and reinforcing a sense of openness without sacrificing privacy or safety.
Inside, the program supports a wide range of services, including classrooms, a flexible multimedia training room, administrative offices, counseling and well-being spaces, a full commercial kitchen and an educational demonstration kitchen. Public spaces are primarily housed within the addition, while member and staff spaces occupy the restored historic building. Interior design choices celebrate the character of the existing structure while juxtaposing it with new architectural elements that promote empowerment and familiarity.
The campus represents a powerful example of how thoughtful architecture can advance social impact.
Expanding impact, once more
Shortly after completing the initial transformation, our team moved forward with implementing phase two of the expansion. This phase continued the architectural language established in phase one, with brick façades responding to neighborhood context while employing contemporary detailing. The south elevation engages the historic rhythm of Fox Park with a steady cadence of punched openings, while the north elevation opens toward a community garden with a more expressive, playful composition. Color, signage and materiality reinforce identity and belonging while supporting Rung’s mission.
The phase two expansion includes a new 12,000-square-foot multipurpose center featuring expanded spaces for gathering, office space and a yoga room.
