I Wish I Worked Here is a series full of attractive workspaces that stimulate the mind and senses. We cannot peel our eyes away from these spaces! 

Traveling for work or pleasure can sometimes be grueling, especially without the reassurance that the place of your extended stay sometimes needs to be your “home away from away home.” The NFB’s forethought to turn an aging office space into a place of welcome and hospitality was beyond visionary, which comes naturally to this organization.

Headquartered over a city block in South Baltimore, parts of the building were originally constructed in 1906, housing a variety of manufacturers over the years. In 1978, the NFB purchased the adjacent parcels and added a new facility which is noted as the Jernigan Institute. The complex houses the Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Access, the Independence Market, and the Jacobus tenBroek Library.

The Verve Partnership facilitated a Visioning and Space Strategy workshop, which seeks first to understand the needs and aspirations of the organization in relation to the current use of the building. This was done in tandem with a comprehensive building survey by Harkins Builders.

The first phase of improvements included converting a portion of the fourth floor in the 1906 building, also known as the Barney Street Wing, into guest accommodations, which welcomes visitors from all over the world. The space is modest yet curated, vibrant yet relaxing, creating a comfortable and familiar experience for guests, members, and their families.

Like your home, the little things always matter. The front door entry is situated at the Living Room, sensory driven with the sound of crackling embers emitting from a circular fireplace and sounds of water trickling in the distance, emanating from a custom designed fountain. The sensory experience immediately upon entry is peaceful while also supportive of contrasting family activities that happen in a living room, such as conversation and the occasional piano playing at the baby grand.

As one passes through the public facing family room and fireplace space to a more secured area, an immediately adjacent entertainment area designed for guests and visitors to unwind after a long day, features a variety of seating areas for comfortable lounging, playing games or entertaining in the kitchen.  This combined space is flexible and excellent for networking events, catered affairs, and informal meetings. This shared space smartly transitions to guest room quarters, with 21 rooms of varying capacity, along with a family fitness center and hang out space geared towards a younger population.

Since 1940, this unified organization has worked collectively, improving the lives of blind people throughout the country, and in some cases, the world. Along with high expectations and strong values, the structure continues to empower members of the NFB to live life on their terms. This “home” is only a small part of that effort.

Other innovative efforts include a new relationship with Mattel Games, which led to the creation of the first Braille UNO Card Game, and the BELL Academy (Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning) which provides blind children with instructions in Braille, cane travel and other non-visual skills they need to achieve their dreams and live the lives they want. Additionally, NFB founded an annual scholarship program, awarding more than $120,000 to blind scholars across the country and the list goes on.

This amazing organization is doing all this right here in Baltimore. This has us saying “I Wish I Stayed here”.

The Verve Partnership uses a proven strategy process to analyze and align place with people and purpose. By aligning physical space with culture, we drive desired brand beliefs through the design of the built environment.