Pride Live, a leading social advocacy and community engagement organization for the LGBTQIA+ community, has unveiled the prestigious group of design industry leaders who have collaborated on the design of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center (SNMVC). The SNMVC will open in New York City on June 28th, marking the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion.
The SNMVC has been six years in the making, and since its official groundbreaking in June 2022, Pride Live has enlisted an elite team of design, engineering, and architectural experts to turn the vision of the SNMVC into reality. The collective team actualized Pride Live’s vision of a space that thoughtfully incorporated historical details and created a welcoming, inclusive and accessible visitor center for guests to learn about LGBTQIA+ history and the legacy of Stonewall. The visitor center will occupy nearly 2,100 square feet at 51 Christopher Street, between Waverly Place and 7th Avenue South.
Parente Development managed the project, and EDG Architecture + Engineering oversaw architectural design and structural engineering, with experiential storytelling provided by Local Projects. WB Engineers + Consultants managed the mechanical, electrical and plumbing design, and HMBA designed the visitor center’s audio visual, IT and security systems. Architectural lighting was curated by Orsman Design, with various state-of-the-art lighting controls and fixtures provided by Lutron Electronics. Interior designers Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, longtime supporters of Pride Live, have lent their time, network, and expertise to the project. All partners are recognized as Founding Supporters of the SNMVC.
“On behalf of Pride Live, we express our gratitude for the unwavering support of our design partners,” said Ann Marie Gothard (she/her), Chair of the Board of Directors, Pride Live. “Their invaluable contributions aided our efforts to create a space meticulously crafted to deepen visitors’ understanding of the Stonewall legacy and its profound impact on the LGBTQIA+ community. This ambitious endeavor, spanning 2,100 square feet, has been optimized by our design collaborators to weave Stonewall’s narrative through captivating visual elements and thoughtful features.”
“It’s important to us that visitors have a space dedicated to welcoming them and showcasing the vital history of Stonewall,” said Richard Unterthiner (he/him), Design Director and Principal at EDG Architecture + Engineering. “Everyone at EDG feels the honor that comes with designing a space like this.”
Culminating nearly six years of development and a $3.2 million investment, the SNMVC will serve as an educational resource, offering an immersive experience and a rich tapestry of LGBTQIA+ history and culture through a variety of engaging programs, including in-person and virtual tours, informative lecture series, captivating exhibitions, a dedicated theater space, and inspiring visual arts displays. Upon entering the space, visitors will have a multifaceted learning experience that speaks to today’s generations, encouraging them to carry forward the Stonewall legacy and the ongoing fight for full LGBTQIA+ equality.
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