Franny Lou’s Porch was a collaborative effort between architect, developer and business owner to creatively navigate the complexities of keeping a minority-owned, thriving business situated within a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood.  The project resulted in a vibrant first floor commercial space and two residential units above.  The design team balanced functional and economic concerns while creating a space to harbor community connection, critical education and public advocacy; juxtaposing its contents with the conventional cafes in the surrounding blocks.  It is because of this intense partnership that Franny Lou’s still maintain its presence today as a neighborhood institution.