Built in the early nineteenth century, Upton Mansion has been a fixture in Baltimore’s architectural and civic history. The project encompasses the comprehensive restoration of the historic mansion and carriage house, as well as the addition of a contemporary annex at the rear of the site. When complete, the campus will house the AFRO Archives—one of the most significant collections of Black history in the United States—as well as event space, research and digitization labs, nonprofit offices, and a public gallery. The design also brings full ADA accessibility to the building for the first time in its history.

The design reflects a careful balance of restoration and renewal. The architecture creates a dialogue between past and future, advancing the AFRO’s mission while contributing to the broader cultural landscape of the city.