The Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation (BWAF) has opened a new headquarters space called The Bev in Manhattan it says will act as a “beacon for gender equity and innovation” just a few months removed from the passing of its trailblazing founder Beverly Willis at the age of 95.

The new, 2,000-square-foot multi-use space is meant to augment BWAF’s noted professional development, advocacy, and educational programs as well as provide space for its executive and support staff. 

Located adjacent to the High Line and Hudson River Park in the SOM-designed Manhattan West development, the space was designed by SHoP Principal Angelica Baccon and overseen by Brookfield Properties Vice President of Design and Construction Sabrina Kanne. The space will also be used to host the BWAF's production of the award-winning New Angle: Voice podcast and special exhibitions, the first of which, the Yay Brigade-designed Pioneering Women of American Architecture, was launched recently.

“The Bev stands as a symbol of the power inherent in collaboration,” Michele O’Connor, the past chair of BWAF’s board, said of its addition. “It is a testament to the boundless possibilities that arise when diverse talents and shared commitment come together. The dedication and expertise brought by these women have been instrumental in creating a space we are confident will help inspire and empower generations to come.”

“We are so excited about our new home, The Bev, which is so much more than just a physical place for our work,” Baccon added. “It's a vibrant hub designed to unite the BWAF community both physically and virtually, with versatile spaces to house our executive offices, meetings, a woman-owned firm incubator, educational offerings, and state-of-the-art media production, all fostering collaboration and innovation for our community of supporters throughout our metropolitan area and beyond.”

Other special programs to launch with the foundation’s new headquarters include the second and third editions of the BWAF Emerging Leaders program, a forum aimed at women who are between five and ten years out of school. 

“Along with our leadership meetings, The Bev will host upcoming events and programs, including our new video to debut on Beverly Willis’s amazing life, the New Angle: Voice wrap party, a Friends Program to welcome frequent visitors, and roundtables with leading journalists, feminists and experts on issues impacting women in the AEC fields,” the BWAF's departing Executive Director Cynthia Phifer Kracauer added.

An official housewarming and launch party for The Bev is expected in early spring. The executive search for Kracauer's replacement is also underway. More information about applying to the open position can be found here on Archinect Jobs.