Status: Completed Fall 2000

Renovation of this 1950’s era Modern building was spurred by a neighboring property owner’s plan to construct a parking garage on the lot directly behind it. The client’s goal was to create a presence for the gallery at the rear of the building, taking advantage of the building’s visibility from the new parking structure. The addition of a second entrance opening onto the new parking deck would allow shoppers to access the gallery from the rear and connect through to the street.

Our solution was to extend the gallery space from one end of the building to the other. Daylight at either end of the gallery helps create a feeling of openness which pulls people through the length of the space. A centrally located sales counter allows staff to observe both entrances. Within the long, narrow gallery three distinct zones are created through the careful modulation of ceiling and wall planes: chases and soffits housing exhaust ducts from the basement studios help define the zones, as do changes in color and ceiling height.

The entire west wall features cabinets with adjustable shelving, pedestals for furniture, and hidden storage below. The south windows are partly screened by an open cabinet devoted to glass displays. The angled brise-soleil shape of the shelving protects light-sensitive prints hung on the east wall, while admitting daylight and screening one’s view of the parking deck beyond.