Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción
Community Center

Established in 1968, Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA) is one of the nation’s first community-based, non-profit organizations to develop and integrate affordable housing with comprehensive, culturally responsive, and bilingual (English/Spanish) programming. 

Partnering with the architectural practice of Studio Enee, our design for IBA’s new community building in Boston’s historic South End neighborhood will consolidate all programs in one place and provide a cultural hub for the South End and greater Boston Latinx communities. 

The four-story building is a contemporary response to its setting of 19th century bow-fronted brick and brownstone row houses. Clad in variegated tones of red and ochre terra cotta vertical slats, the building’s glass walls engage pedestrians, provide a welcoming entry, and connect IBA activities with an adjacent city park. Inside are a multipurpose performance space and classrooms, as well as offices for social support services. A roof terrace opens program spaces to park views.