Our Work with Junta on Grand Avenue
We’re proud to be partnering with Junta for Progressive Action, New Haven’s oldest Hispanic-led nonprofit, to reimagine their historic home on Grand Avenue in the heart of Fair Haven.
For more than 50 years, Junta has been a trusted resource and gathering place for immigrant and Hispanic families — offering programs in advocacy, education, workforce development, and social services. Their building has long served as a vital hub for this work, and our shared goal is to ensure it continues to do so for decades to come.
Honoring the Past, Preparing for the Future
Built in 1851, the Lyman Woodward House is a rare surviving suburban villa in the Quinnipiac River Historic District. Its grand staircase, generous ceiling heights, and carefully detailed windows and casings reflect the craftsmanship of the period. Our renovation approach seeks to honor these historic features — preserving the building’s most distinctive elements while adapting the structure to serve a modern community-based nonprofit.
Architectural Renewal and Expansion
Junta has outgrown the limits of the existing structure, and our design addresses this with both restoration and thoughtful expansion. The main street-facing volume will be preserved, with improvements to siding, insulation, and thermal protection for energy efficiency. Two new additions — at the side and rear — allow us to expand programming space without compromising the historic character of the home.
Inside, the reconfigured plan grows the office count from 6 to 15 and the meeting spaces from 3 to 4 larger conference and training rooms. Flexible community spaces and more efficient layouts will better support programs and events, while new systems bring the building up to modern performance standards.
Accessibility has also been a central priority. A new elevator, accessible ramp, three ADA-compliant restrooms, and dedicated parking will ensure the building is welcoming to all. Together, these changes nearly double the usable area from 4,775 square feet to 8,600 square feet, creating a long-lasting, sustainable home for Junta’s mission.
A Lasting Place of Belonging
This project is about more than preserving a building — it’s about strengthening a place of belonging, resilience, and opportunity. By revitalizing this important neighborhood anchor, we hope to help Junta continue its legacy of empowering families and building community well into the future.
About Junta
Founded in 1969, Junta for Progressive Action is dedicated to supporting and advocating for New Haven’s Hispanic and immigrant communities.
Learn more at juntainc.org