The Center for Pursuit

The Center for Pursuit, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting choice, growth, and independence for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, worked with Gensler to design its new campus, prominently situated in Houston’s East Downtown (EaDo), an emerging community within a historically industrial neighborhood. To reflect its mission, it was important that the nonprofit integrate itself into the community in order to foster greater acceptance for its clients.

Comprised of three buildings framing a public green space and a private outdoor terrace dedicated to program participants, the campus architecture reflects EaDo’s artistic warehouse vibe by blending reclaimed brick from the previous facility with modern art elements, including sculptures and graffiti walls installed by local artists. Exterior glass was used in each of the buildings to encourage transparency from the inside out, furthering the nonprofit organization’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for its clients.