Five Points Retail Building
The site is the largest determiner of this building. Even though it is between a "Sonic" drive-in and a bland 1970 commercial building, it is within a downtown historic district and had to be approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. The owner requested a mid-century modernist building, but one that would be playfully "retro".
Functionally, the building consists of three simple rectangular rental areas. The building front steps back in deference to the site's geometry, and to define each suite. The walls are load bearing concrete block, stuccoed on the sides, and the front veneered with ceramic tile in a "random" pattern of colors typical to the 1950's. The angled serpentine façade is corrugated Galvalume, serving as a strong containment for tenants' signage.
The building, with its assertive form and materials, is pulled back as far as possible from the street with all parking in front, and partially screened with crepe myrtles. This produces a surprise, as the full building cannot be seen until entering the parking lot.
The roof is standing seam over exposed bar joists and metal deck. All electrical and HVAC components are exposed, and the floors are stained concrete. The tenants have kept their improvements in keeping with the building's spirit; the build-outs have been minimal, open and colorful.
Functionally, the building consists of three simple rectangular rental areas. The building front steps back in deference to the site's geometry, and to define each suite. The walls are load bearing concrete block, stuccoed on the sides, and the front veneered with ceramic tile in a "random" pattern of colors typical to the 1950's. The angled serpentine façade is corrugated Galvalume, serving as a strong containment for tenants' signage.
The building, with its assertive form and materials, is pulled back as far as possible from the street with all parking in front, and partially screened with crepe myrtles. This produces a surprise, as the full building cannot be seen until entering the parking lot.
The roof is standing seam over exposed bar joists and metal deck. All electrical and HVAC components are exposed, and the floors are stained concrete. The tenants have kept their improvements in keeping with the building's spirit; the build-outs have been minimal, open and colorful.
