The Byron Story Foundation was established by Juanita Story Jones in memory of her son, a promising high school graduate from Philadelphia who was killed in 2002 as the result of handgun violence.  BSF provided alternative education, GED preparation, and social development skills to guide and inspire at-risk truant and drop-out students from Philadelphia’s public high schools. 

By virtue of dedication, intuitive approach, and philanthropic support, BSF saw its enrollment increase each year for a time after its inception.  Recognizing the need to expand, BSF acquired adjacent property and requested assistance from the Community Design Collaborative to develop and propose a new building scheme for fundraising purposes and potential construction.  Final deliverables included a program document, conceptual floor plans, preliminary zoning code review, a perspective rendering, and opinion of probable cost.

Design criteria were collected and refined through numerous meetings at the client’s facility.  A “sketch program” evolved into conceptual floor plans through much discussion and direct interaction with BSF’s administrative and teaching staff.  The building’s architectural expression was inspired by a simple question: “If this building were a store, what would you be selling?” The answer came back almost immediately: “Hope.” 

Inspired by the triumphant struggle and tragic death of Byron Story, BSF strove to provide opportunity to at-risk teens.  The request to have the building speak of hope resolved in the creation of one inspiring image by combining over 450 4” square transparent images of BSF snapshots.  As a result, a composite image of Byron’s proud graduation portrait stands as half of the building façade from sidewalk to roof.    The remainder of the façade is translucent glass channel.  Combined, these two façade treatments produce an inspiring contemporary look that is intriguing and inviting.  At night, the building will emit light through this façade and act as a beacon to the surrounding neighborhood.