The Baker-Ripley House, differs from other neighborhood centers in that it resembles a community village – including an elementary charter school that is integrated with a Head Start program; a welcome center for traditional community center activities, including after-school and adult education programs and accompanying childcare; an art building with studio space for local artists; a reunion hall for performances and group activities; a business center for retail incubation and a community credit union; and a community park which includes a garden, marketplace and picnic space for families. From the inception of this project, residents and leaders in community building and design activities were engaged on a regular basis—contrary to typical community center development. The resulting building and public space design directly reflects the multicultural, vibrant and colorful look and feel of the neighborhood, and improves the health and well-being of its residents and the environment.