Marion's Ledge is a holistic effort that seeks to create its vision of a charged, active and engaged community through its entire being – this begins with the building approached as not merely an edifice within which to be sheltered or a certain amount of square footage to be occupied, but an expression and example of how we conduct our activity within that building. The building itself, like its inhabitants, will seek and accept a high challenge to its being - that of “doing things right”. The building is not just a means, but part of the expression of Marion's Ledge.

It is from this challenge to “do things right” that Marion’s accepts its responsibility to design the building to be superbly “green” and “sustainable”. Though these words may be putting the goal somewhat simplistically, I believe they currently convey well enough the spirit and intent of the undertaking.
Beyond meeting this basic responsibility, we’ll also do so in a way that not only derives comfort and economy for us in our life in the building, meets our community responsibility to execute our business in a way that does not harm our environment or waste, but that also demonstrates and educates how the building accomplishes this goal (somewhat like a giant see-inside model or an exhibit at the HMNS that not only shows how it is done but illustrates results) so that the larger community can more easily see what can be done in their own projects.

While Marion’s Ledge is conceived as including a spacious Commons, a greater space on the same visible level for an adjoining Venue/Workspace (actual physical levels may be creatively played with but it’s important that this entire space be visibly and physically accessible and inviting), an International Hostel directly above that, and specific plans for the roof as an extension of the activity of the Commons – were we to create a multistory building with space beyond those needs (greater than the 2+roof plan), then space would be available to lease for other businesses and organizations. This may be an attractive option that could greatly increase Marion’s financial viability.

Should Marion’s be capable of housing other businesses or organizations, then it is partly because Marion's Ledge is a vision that looks to compliment other endeavors, and is easily complimented by other endeavors. We will benefit from these endeavors in the commerce and input that they’ll bring, and the organizations behind the activities will benefit by providing their guests a vibrant and inspiring environment as they enter their time there.

The vision of the Commons is to bring in as great a variety of people and activity as possible and to have that activity visible and accessible in an open style, not to isolate one activity from another as most buildings do. Therefore the building will be designed so that as much activity as possible happens within, and adjacent to, the Commons and all major access and egress to the various other areas of the building (to the Hostel and the Roof and any other floors or areas that may exist) will be through the Commons.

Marion's Ledge is a vision, not just a project that needs square footage. We unfortunately won't have the luxury of just renting a floor in a building that does not fully express this vision.
This makes our fundraising all the more challenging but it also makes our mission all the more compelling.