After years of operating from multiple disconnected floors in their former building, Bridges Trust envisioned a new headquarters that would unify their team and elevate the client experience. TACKarchitects responded by making visual and physical connectedness the central design driver of the project. Spanning two floors of a new Class A mid-rise structure, the headquarters is intentionally organized to place focus on client services while simultaneously supporting the daily needs of Bridges Trust’s staff.
The upper level is purposefully divided: one half dedicated entirely to client interaction, the other to employee workspaces that encourage collaboration, efficiency, and comfort. A gracious central opening is carved through the upper floor, allowing clients to overlook the dynamic operations below. This vertical connection also forms a symbolic — and literal — “bridge” guiding visitors toward a signature conference room framed by expansive views across the Dodge Street corridor.
Anchoring the two floors is a communicating open stair, positioned alongside a dramatic two-story textured granite wall. Together, these elements serve as the architectural heart of the project, physically and visually linking the organization while expressing a sense of permanence, craft, and institutional confidence. The stair’s precision steelwork, glass detailing, and warm wood landings required expert construction coordination, transforming a functional element into a sculptural centerpiece.
As the builder, McNeil Company brought this architectural vision to life with exceptional craftsmanship and unwavering attention to detail. The project demanded rigorous execution—from seamlessly aligned ceiling slat systems and custom millwork installations to the meticulous integration of lighting, glass railings, perforated metal screens, and large-format stone finishes. McNeil’s team ensured that every joint, reveal, material transition, and structural interface honored the design intent and met the elevated expectations of both the architect and the client.
The result is a headquarters that embodies Bridges Trust’s values: connected, confident, client-focused, and forward-looking. Through the collaborative partnership between TACKarchitects and McNeil Company, the new workplace stands as a refined, enduring environment where design excellence and construction craftsmanship merge to support the legacy and future of Bridges Trust.
