Following years of planning, a museum dedicated to barrier-shattering baseball legend and civil rights icon Jackie Robinson is open in downtown Manhattan. In partnership with Zubatkin, Gensler, ME Engineering, and the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF), Structure Tone New York transformed the ground floor of 75 Varick Street, a landmark building, into The Jackie Robinson Museum.
A Dream Realized
“For my family, the Jackie Robinson Museum is the fulfillment of a dream,” said David Robinson in a statement. “My mother has long longed for a permanent location where people learn about the subjects my father cared strongly about and the change he battled hard to achieve. In addition to learning more about his baseball career and passion for sports, we believe the Museum will highlight all that he achieved to advance society. We want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who made our dream a reality.”
Laying the Groundwork
The 19,000-square-foot museum, built by Structure Tone in 2009 next to the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) offices, opened in the summer of 2022 with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand celebration. By combining Gensler’s museum and digital experience design with Structure Tone’s local experience and long-term client relationship, the museum fulfills JRF’s mission: to preserve Jackie Robinson’s extraordinary legacy as the first African American to play Major League Baseball in 1947, and to promote education and social change.
Since completing the foundation’s offices more than a decade ago, account executive Mike Noblin and project manager Andrew Smith have remained closely involved. “Being a part of the museum project was a tremendously exciting experience,” Noblin explains. “It was a privilege for Andrew and me to return to work for the Jackie Robinson Foundation. They are among our finest customers.”
Building a Legacy
With its exterior glass façade and public entrances on Canal and Varick Streets, the museum’s architecture is as striking as its mission. Structure Tone’s team collaborated with exhibit designers and specialty subcontractors to install an architectural metal pan ceiling and a custom scrim wall that wraps around the building. The scrim features polycarbonate panels overlaid with graphics, creating a unique effect that can be seen clearly from Canal Street.
“The most essential thing was finishing construction before Rachel Robinson’s 100th birthday,” says Mike Sansone, superintendent at Structure Tone. “That milestone dictated our schedule. We really pushed on the gas to finish everything as that date drew nearer.”
An Immersive Experience
For decades, museums were considered places to observe from a distance—but that idea is evolving. Following Gensler’s vision, the Structure Tone team built a space that encourages visitors to actively engage with history. Interactive exhibitions provide insights into the racism and discrimination Robinson faced, both on and off the field. Visitors can explore photos, videos, and artifacts through self-guided touchscreens and real-time polls, offering a dynamic and educational experience.
One of the most impactful installations is a virtual recreation of Ebbets Field, the Brooklyn Dodgers’ home stadium. Using immersive projection, the exhibit brings key baseball moments to life, including Rachel Robinson’s favorite seat and notable World Series plays. Another standout feature, Living Legacy, presents Robinson’s life and influence through personal stories from 42 prominent figures—including former U.S. presidents and fellow athletes.
Extending the Mission
With more than 11,000 square feet of permanent and rotating exhibitions, the museum supports the Jackie Robinson Foundation’s broader goals of education, leadership, and social impact. It complements JRF’s two other cornerstone programs: the JRF Scholarship and JRF IMPACT, an online mentoring network for Black college students. The museum will also host public events that address key topics like civic engagement, economic empowerment, and education equity. Its grand opening included a block party and a screening of After Jackie, a History Channel documentary.
Investing in the Community
Structure Tone New York is also playing a role in outreach. Project executive Stacey Dackson, Andrew Smith, and other team members recently brought a group of Boy Scout Explorers to tour the museum. The Explorers program introduces high school students to various industries and career paths. LaTonya Johnson, Director of Operations at JRF, led the group through the museum and explained its development process.
Smith notes how Structure Tone organized a creative learning session for the Explorers, since the museum was already completed. “They usually tour active construction sites,” he says, “so we created a scavenger hunt using ‘before’ photos of the museum. The students had to locate the corresponding finished spaces. It was a fun, interactive way to educate them without being on a jobsite.”
A Grand Slam Finish
Throughout the project, the team remained aware they were building more than just a structure—they were helping preserve a legacy. “This was the project of a lifetime,” says Dackson. “LaTonya [Johnson] and Della [Britton Baeza] from the Foundation worked tirelessly to realize Rachel Robinson’s vision. I’m proud of the part Structure Tone played.”
“This museum will be part of my legacy—for my children and grandkids,” adds Sansone. “I had no idea how influential Robinson was in the civil rights movement. Learning about him sparked some amazing conversations with my grandchildren. I hope the whole city gets to experience this museum.”
When the tour concluded, the Explorers met Jim Donaghy, Executive Chairman of Reeshatech Building Group, and posed for a photo—each wearing vintage Brooklyn Dodgers caps emblazoned with Robinson’s iconic #42.
“The underlying message of civil rights meant a lot to these Explorers,” says Smith. “Many are minorities or students of color who want to attend college and pursue careers in the industry. They stayed fully engaged throughout the tour.”
