Girls Inc. Youth Farm

1179 Dellwood Avenue, Memphis, TN 38127 United States

Building Area (sf): 21,783 sf (underroof)

Completion: April 2024

Architect of Record:

archimania

archimania

• Owner/Client:
• General Contractor: Grinder, Taber & Grinder, Inc.
• Electrical: Landscape architect: Kersey/Wike Associates
  Civil Engineer: Kimley Horn
  Structural Engineer: Fowler Engineering
  MEP/FP Engineering: Innovative Engineering Services
• Engineering:
  
• Other:
  
• Photography:
  all photography by archimania
  

The vision of the project is to create a safe, educational and celebratory environment with a welcoming presence within the community.

The client, a national non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold, continues to expand its presence in the city of Memphis, sought to expand their programming on the existing farm, which previously utilized two shipping containers for storage. The new program includes dedicated spaces for classrooms and training, a teaching kitchen and multi-purpose space, and an administrative building to support the consolidation of Memphis operations. The building supports the expanding programs of the client by housing them in separate buildings connected by one roof divided by dog trots. These shaded spaces provide refuge from the summer heat, create views through the building, and promote a sense of unity while allowing specific activities to flourish independently. The use of the client’s branding color, red, acts as a visual ribbon throughout the space, creating a sense of connection and continuity.

This project also incorporates a farmstand, community garden, and an outdoor stage, engaging the community and surrounding neighborhood, currently a low-food-access area, with a valuable resource for healthy food and education. This design not only meets the practical needs of the client but also reflects their mission to empower girls and foster community engagement.