Design for a Difference’s renovation of the Association for the Rights of Citizens with handicaps (ARCh) finished last week, followed by an unveiling of the fresh space.
Founded in 1952, ARCh supports children and adults with disabilities through social and educational programs and events based in and outside of its Waukesha building, a space that formerly lacked accessibility for the community it serves. FLOOR360 and Milwaukee Magazine partnered with Design for a Difference to enhance areas of the building with adaptations for visitors with sensory sensitivities and mobility issues.
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“Before, it was dark,” said Jennifer Horth, ARCh’s executive director, about the building. “There was literally furniture that was falling apart. The walls were dark, and in some cases, stained. Even the ceiling was dark and stained. So, I think just the visual aspect of how light and bright and airy everything now is will encourage people to be here in a different way and think in a different way – both staff and the clients and families who come in to use this space.”
The Design for a Difference team prioritized interior setbacks highlighted by ARCh. The dark wood paneling seen throughout the building has since been painted over with a shade of white that’s complemented by the sun beaming through windows on the east and west sides of the building. Two unused rooms have been converted into a computer room and a sensory room, and there are now multiple areas with possibility for confidential meetings with parents.
“We now have a place that we can be proud of and a place where we can welcome all of our members and our supporters and our families, and it’s a place that they can feel comfortable, alive, vibrant and included, which is really central to our mission,” said Horth. “I also think that it’s going to lead us in really new, exciting directions, because just being in the space for a few minutes gives us a sense of possibility.”
