Project Overview

The simple structure at 503 Sullivan Street in Elmira, NY has served a much larger purpose.
Minnie Easton founded the Sullivan Street Mission in 1903 as a place of refuge for anyone who needed it. The building has now fallen into disrepair and has been abandoned for decades. The new owner (and granddaughter of Minnie Easton, Dr. Caroline Easton) would like the building restored and donated to the Rochester House of Mercy, an organization founded by Sister Grace Miller for the purpose of serving and advocating for the homeless citizens of Rochester, NY.

 

Design Intent

The objective of the design studio was to adapt the current building into sleeping units for the residents, and perhaps job training and employment services within the building that will help residents transition from rehabilitation into becoming productive members of society.