Two New York-based design studios have successfully transformed a former tobacco warehouse in Hudson into a dynamic community education and arts center called The Spark of Hudson. Architecture firm GLO and design studio Present Forms collaborated to convert the 10,000-square-foot industrial building into what they describe as a "Swiss Army knife" facility that can adapt to various community needs.
The historic building, located at 502 Union in the upstate New York city, had previously been converted to office space during the 1980s before being purchased in 2020 by a philanthropic couple. The buyers envisioned creating a central hub for their new organization that would serve the local community with diverse programming and activities.
The renovation project involved a complete gut renovation of both the interior spaces and building envelope, while celebrating the structure's industrial heritage. GLO founder Joanie Tom explained that the team added 1,000 square feet of new space on the roof, creating a total area of 11,000 square feet wrapped by terraces and gardens. The designers chose to expose the building's original steel framing, concrete floors, and ductwork throughout the interior spaces, maintaining the authentic industrial character.
"The result was a gut renovation of the interior and envelope that celebrated the building's roots while introducing more light and air, and a new rooftop structure wrapped by a terrace and garden," said Tom. The renovation addressed the building's previously introverted nature by dramatically restructuring the facades and thoughtfully subdividing interior spaces to create a more welcoming environment.
One of the major challenges involved making the building more inviting from the street level. The original facades lacked sufficient natural light and connection to the surrounding neighborhood, prompting the design team to punch several new windows through the existing brickwork and enlarge existing openings. Two of the new window openings feature distinctive framing created using leftover bricks from the minor demolition work, incorporating sustainable design practices.
The ground floor now houses classrooms and a Learning Lab specifically designed for lectures, group presentations, and community events. These spaces flow seamlessly into a cafe area furnished with eclectic pieces that create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. The designers used plywood walls and large glass expanses to ensure the connected spaces feel bright, open, and inclusive to all community members.
The second floor takes on a more residential character, configured like an open-plan apartment with comfortable living spaces. This level features a cozy, dark-toned reading nook positioned beside a large stone fireplace, along with spacious living and dining areas that can accommodate various types of gatherings and activities.
The crowning achievement of the renovation is the rooftop addition known as the Solarium. This light-filled, multipurpose space features glass doors that fold open completely to connect with a wrap-around terrace. A narrow mezzanine level, accessed by an elegant spiral staircase, provides additional seating beneath a row of clerestory windows and exposed wood ceiling, maximizing both natural light and flexible use options.
"Making this introverted building more extroverted involved a dramatic re-structuring of its facades and thoughtful subdivision of its interior spaces," Tom explained. "It was clear from the start that new perforations to the envelope were necessary – not just to bring in light and air, but to draw the neighborhood into the life of the building."
The project reflects broader changes happening in Hudson, which has experienced a significant creative influx over the past decade. This trend accelerated during the pandemic as people relocated from New York City to smaller communities. The city now hosts notable design destinations including The Maker hotel, Gestalt furniture store, and Workstead's studio, all contributing to Hudson's growing reputation as a design hub.
"Our hope is that the Spark can serve as a Swiss-Army-knife building for the community – a building with enough inherent flexibility that it can become whatever the neighborhood needs it to be," Tom stated. The facility now hosts a wide variety of programming for local residents, from educational workshops to cultural events and community gatherings.
The project team included several notable collaborators beyond GLO and Present Forms. Present Forms founder Stephanie Lin brings impressive credentials to the project, having previously designed Taffy, a large-scale installation for the 2025 Coachella music festival, and Organic, a 2022 exhibition hosted at Frank Lloyd Wright's School of Architecture in Arizona. Both projects received recognition as longlisted entries for Dezeen Awards in their respective years.
Additional project collaborators included lighting designers Monica Torres Viera and Francisco Casablanca, landscape architect Andrew Zientek of AZ Landscape Architecture, engineering services from Taconic Engineering covering structural, MEP, and civil work, and construction management by Lagonia Construction. The comprehensive team approach ensured all aspects of the complex renovation were executed to professional standards while maintaining the project's community-focused vision.
