Evelyn & Arthur . Sarasota, Florida.

This renovation of a 1950’s era retail space in an urban setting was intended to visually connect the interior space to the exterior for both maximum retail affect and to increase the amount of natural light in the interior space.  The original façade was modified to incorporate more glass into the upper clerestory and the storefront.  The original canopy defining the entry and providing weather protection for pedestrians was reconstructed and finished with a bright metal fascia.  Portions of the façade had to be restructured due to deferred maintenance.  These improvements provided a fresh open frontage to the urban streetscape. 

 As the demolition proceeded and as layers of previous improvements were peeled away, it was decided to take advantage of the original building materials as part of the new aesthetic.  The existing original pine roof framing was cleaned, sealed, and left exposed.  An existing brick structural wall and the original terrazzo floors were both cleaned and incorporated as finished surfaces.  Eliminating the dropped ceilings and exposing the mechanical air ducts brought new height to the space. New partitions and energy efficient lighting completed the improvements. 

Photographer: SRQ360