Wright House was born out of a dream — a vision to create a space where creativity and community could collide, where youth could build leadership through fashion, design, and expression. In 2021, that dream began taking physical form when we identified the building at 910 South Gilbert Street in Iowa City. The space, once a dry-cleaning business, held new potential to become a home for the next generation of makers, artists, and entrepreneurs. That year was all about foundation — putting plans on paper, rallying partners, and letting people see what was possible when purpose met vision.
By 2022, Wright House officially came to life as a nonprofit organization. We rolled up our sleeves and got to work transforming the building into a creative hub. The early renovations were gritty but full of hope — asbestos removal, new lighting, heating, and the start of what would become a dynamic, multi-use space. Bit by bit, rooms were reimagined into sewing studios, a screen-printing area, a recording space, and open zones where artists could collaborate. We weren’t just building walls; we were building opportunity. Our early programs planted the seeds for everything that came next — small workshops in design, brand building, and community storytelling that allowed youth to see themselves as creators and leaders.
2023 marked a powerful shift. Wright House began drawing regional and national attention as a space that blended creativity with empowerment. We were featured in For Iowa magazine and Iowa Public Radio, which highlighted how our work was giving voice to Black creators and underrepresented youth. Our board of directors formed that year, adding structure to our mission. We also partnered with Warner Music Group’s Hand in Hand ERG and the University of Iowa to launch a 12-week hybrid program teaching youth about the business side of design — from graphics to merchandising to creative industry skills. Inside the building, every corner came alive: sewing machines buzzing, models preparing in the green room, designers screen-printing their first collections, and young artists recording in our studio. Wright House was no longer just an idea — it was movement in motion.
By 2024, we reached a milestone that spoke to our roots and resilience — celebrating 10 Years of Fashion in Iowa City. What started as a community project had evolved into a full-fledged cultural institution. We continued to deepen our community ties, and local arts partners to host events and expand programming. Building improvements kept moving forward too — an exterior refresh, and designs for expanded training areas. Wright House was becoming a campus — not just a house. Our programs matured, guiding emerging designers, models, and entrepreneurs through the process of launching their own creative ventures.
Now, in 2025, Wright House is stepping boldly into its next chapter. We’re growing our incubator programs, mentoring business owners, and connecting creative entrepreneurs to funding and real opportunities. The long-term goal is clear: to evolve Wright House into a holistic fashion campus that nurtures talent, inspires leadership, and fuels economic growth through art and design. Our work is proof that when creativity meets community, transformation follows.
From the start, Wright House has stood for more than fashion. It’s about access, empowerment, and belonging — giving people who’ve been overlooked a seat at the table and the tools to build their own. Every thread we sew, every story we share, and every young person we lift up brings us closer to the future we imagined back in 2021: a future where creativity drives connection, and where community is always in style.