SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Marcella Foundation announced today that it has begun the planning and design phase to transform 970 Lodi Ave, formerly The Attic, into The Atrium, a new youth and community hub.
The Atrium represents an evolution of the foundation’s long-standing work in food access, literacy, and youth development. Designed as a place where these efforts can grow and connect, the redeveloped space will bring together a hands-on makerspace developed in partnership with South Tahoe High School and expanded facilities for the foundation’s FeedTahoe food rescue and redistribution program.
“Our goal is to create a place where students can learn by doing, where creativity and curiosity are encouraged and young people have access to the tools and mentorship to turn ideas into real skills,” said Sean Fannan, founder of the Marcella Foundation. “We’re taking the time to build something thoughtful, inclusive, and truly responsive to what students, educators, and the community are asking for.”
The makerspace is being developed in close partnership with South Tahoe High School and the K12 Strong Workforce Grant program to extend learning beyond the traditional classroom and provide a welcoming space for students. Free and accessible, it is designed for all students, regardless of prior experience, to explore interests, build confidence, and develop practical skills through hands-on making and mentorship.
The facility will house an expansive range of design capabilities from woodworking, metals, electronics, lasers, textiles, crafts, and photography, giving students the resources to bring their creative ideas to life. Makerspace programming will provide a pathway to equipment mastery through mentorship and workshop series designed to take students from any experience level to technical proficiency.
Beyond the tools, the makerspace will offer a unique “third space” outside of home and school. It will be a vibrant environment to hang out, tinker, and find community. It will be a place where high school students can explore their interests and discover new passions. You might find students fixing a mountain bike, learning to sew, or even launching a small business. By providing South Tahoe youth access to a supportive environment with professional tools, the makerspace levels the playing field, ensuring every student has the confidence to experiment, innovate and pursue a future in a STEM career.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Marcella Foundation’s expanded services for our students and community,” said Todd Cutler, Lake Tahoe Unified School District superintendent. “This partnership aligns deeply with our vision to discover and foster the unique talents and potential of all students. Through their generosity and commitment, the Marcella Foundation will help create opportunities that shape brighter futures for our students and strengthen our community.”
In addition to the makerspace, the redevelopment of the Atrium will significantly expand FeedTahoe’s capacity to rescue, store, and redistribute surplus food to nonprofit partners across South Lake Tahoe. FeedTahoe currently rescues thousands of pounds of surplus food each month from local grocery stores, bakeries, and restaurants – food that would otherwise go to waste – and redirects it to organizations serving families, seniors, and neighbors experiencing food insecurity. In a region where access to nutritious food remains inconsistent, the redevelopment of 970 Lodi Ave. strengthens the infrastructure needed to reduce food waste, increase distribution efficiency, and address food access and equity challenges at scale.
“This project is about expanding access to opportunity and essential resources,” said Melissa Uppendahl, executive director of the Marcella Foundation. “By strengthening FeedTahoe’s ability to rescue and redistribute surplus food and creating a makerspace where young people can learn by doing, we’re investing in the long-term health, creativity, and resilience of our community.”
The Marcella Foundation is currently working with architects, contractors, and the City of South Lake Tahoe on design and permitting, and will continue engaging teachers, students, and community members throughout 2026 as the project takes shape.
Project updates will be shared at: https://atrium.marcellafoundation.org/