Maude Ford Lee Community Services
West Palm Beach, FL
CIVIC
"Architecture is not just about buildings—it’s about creating spaces where communities feel seen, supported, and empowered."
The Maude Ford Lee Community Services Facility is a new civic building that brings together vital programs including Homeless Outreach, Senior & Veteran Services, Human Services, Community Action, and the HIV Elimination Initiative. Designed with both functionality and compassion in mind, the two-story facility serves as a central resource for residents in need. Grounded in biophilic design, the building features warm wood finishes, abundant natural light, and passive shading systems that promote wellness, comfort, and sustainability. Shared spaces like the double-height lobby offer moments of calm and connection, with organic materials, filtered light, and sculptural elements that reflect the building’s mission of care and growth.
The design also honors the site’s powerful legacy—formerly home to the Palm Beach County Home and adjacent to a historic pauper’s cemetery. Preserving this ground while looking toward a more inclusive future, the project continues a long-standing mission of service. Named after civil rights advocate Maude Ford Lee, the building stands as a symbol of dignity, equity, and resilience. Through thoughtful spatial planning, daylighting, and material expression, it supports both the operational needs of staff and the emotional well-being of the community it serves.
