Capstone: Land

Capstone: Breland Land

The Lightbox

Strawberry Mansion is at a pivotal moment, facing the pressures of gentrification and unconsensual development. This proposal offers an architectural response rooted in community care, cultural preservation, and spatial equity. Centered on the Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church and its adjacent Fellowship Hall, the design introduces a transparent light box addition that acts as both a connector and a beacon. It becomes a welcoming threshold that bridges the church, the historic Tanner House, and the vacant lots along Ridge Avenue.

The light box serves as a communal foyer, a space of arrival and gathering that visually and physically ties together key community anchors. The Fellowship Hall is updated to support its dual role as both a sacred congregational space and a flexible venue for neighborhood organizations. With natural light filtering in through skylights, the hall becomes a bright, adaptable setting for meals, meetings, lectures, and events led by groups like the Friends of the Tanner House.

Southwest axon view of the park and light box extension (Breland Land, 2025).
Accessibility is central to the proposal. A gently sloped, continuous ramp winds through the site, creating an inclusive path from Ridge Avenue into the heart of the campus. More than a means of circulation, this ramp embodies a commitment to equity, welcoming people of all ages and abilities.

The landscape design features a soft, curved path that organizes informal outdoor zones. These flexible spaces can support everything from casual play and conversation to seasonal programs and performances, allowing the community to shape their own use of the space over time.

The architecture reflects the mission of the Friends of the Tanner House: to preserve Black history, build community power, and cultivate collective care. The new structures support this work not just through function, but through their form. These are spaces that invite participation, honor legacy, and inspire stewardship.

Finally, the proposal identifies opportunities for satellite community spaces throughout the neighborhood, activating underused lots to broaden access and impact. This networked approach reinforces a sense of continuity and pride, embedding community-driven care into the daily fabric of Strawberry Mansion.
Perspective view of entrance to park from Ridge Ave (Breland Land, 2025).

View of the interior of the light box towards the accessible entrance of the Tanner House (Breland Land, 2025).