The Spark of Hudson: a neighborhood hub by GLO and Present Forms

In Hudson, New York, a once-ordinary building at 502 Union Street has been recast as The Spark of Hudson—a lively community anchor where classes, coworking, bagels, film nights, farm markets, and skill-building all coexist under one roof. The transformation is a collaboration between GLO (lead architect) and Present Forms (design), who have treated the project less like a one-off renovation and more like an adaptable framework for civic life.

A building designed to keep changing

Rather than fix the interior to a single use, the team prioritized flexibility. Rooms can shift from workshops to meetings to performances with minimal fuss. The plan threads together casual gathering areas, a bright coworking “CoLab,” and spaces sized for talks, clubs, and hands-on learning—so the building can respond to a weekday’s work rhythm as easily as a weekend’s public program.

Lightweight partitions, durable finishes, and thoughtful lighting make it simple to rearrange without losing clarity or comfort. Circulation is intuitive: a you-can’t-miss entrance, legible paths, and clear sightlines minimize signage and keep the atmosphere welcoming.

Everyday materials, tuned for community

Materials are deliberately straightforward—hard-wearing surfaces where spills and scuffs are inevitable; warm textures where people linger. The palette reads more “use me” than “don’t touch,” which fits the mission. Lighting layers support everything from focused desk work to soft evening events, with energy-efficient fixtures and controls to match.

A civic program beyond the walls

Spark is more than a venue: it’s an engine for local initiatives. The organization has supported efforts in affordable housing (Hudson Dots), a universal basic income pilot (HudsonUP), communal housing for healthcare students (HudsonNEST), and skilled-trades training (HudsonSTEP). The building gives these programs a visible, walk-in presence while remaining open to neighborhood events—film screenings, drawing classes, craft circles, farm markets, and more—so the calendar reflects the community, not just the institution.

Ground-floor life matters

Street-level activity was a priority. Circles Bagels brings daily foot traffic and an informal social center; the CoLab adds a steady cadence of independent workers and small teams. Together, they keep the doors swinging and the spaces useful from early morning through evening gatherings.

Credits

• Lead Architect: GLO

• Designer: Present Forms (Stephanie Lin)

• Lighting & Interiors: Monica Torres Vierra, Francisco Casablanca

• Structural/Civil/MEP: Taconic Engineering

• Landscape: Andrew Zientek

• General Contractor: Lagonia Construction

• Client: Albert Wenger & Susan Danziger

• Location: Hudson, NY

• Project timeline: 2019–2024