The New York Community Trust is the foremost New York Area community foundation with 1,500 charitable funds totaling nearly $2 billion. So when they asked CONANT ARCHITECTS to assist with their relocation to midtown charitable, yet elegant was the mandate.

In an established environment with understated elegance, a place was created where donors feel welcome and confident that their funds were helping the community. A crisp light colored stone floor leads through the glass entry into an intimate reception area where wood is featured throughout. A wood paneled wall can quickly be opened to reveal a private sitting room for donors. If the doors are left open the space serves as a general gathering area for either parities or media briefings. The 36 boardroom was placed nicely around the corner so that board members had privacy from the main reception area. Clerestories in the offices allow daylight to penetrate into the open workstation areas and splashes of color were placed below to create a rhythm along the circulation corridor.

Photos, glass etching and previous annual reports showing the Statue of Liberty are placed at key intersections and vistas so that this timeless icon will act as a branding element.