Existing storefront windows were replaced with new energy-efficient glazing, framed with steel mullions to match the original window pattern. Fully opening the interior maximizes natural daylight, exterior views, interior engagement and the celebration of the original volume.
Maintaining the dedicated views toward downtown Austin and adjacent Pease District Park was critical for the client and for the visual experience of the employees. Complementing the very public southern and western views, the eastern windows now face a revitalized subterranean back courtyard, which acts as a respite from the North Lamar traffic. On the exterior, a front, park-facing deck and southern, downtown- facing deck were added to accentuate the horizontality of the structure while providing more generous entry points for visitors and employees.
SATISFACTION
This project took two-and-a-half years to complete, which was about six-months longer than expected because of the amount of site work and erosion control necessary. The end result is a preserved but updated mid-century building that remains an Austin landmark.
The owner, architect, design team and builder worked tremendously well together and problem-solved during the entire process. Franklin Alan was on board during early schematic phases and worked collaboratively with the architects and engineers to provide insight, budgeting and scheduling answers. This is crucial to a successful project; it allows everyone to be on the same page with design intent to limit surprises.
For the Mark Odom Studio team, the most exciting part of this design process was treating this more like an adaptive-reuse project rather than just a renovation. Preserving this iconic 60-year-old building was of course a must—but tricky to pull off. Raising the roof and ceiling, opening the interior and finding vintage brick were just a few of the design choices that helped the structure really come to life.
“We feel fortunate every day we come in to work here,” says Meredith Spears. “We are now back in the office [despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic]; our team functions much better when they can interact during the workday. Staff have their own cubicles, which helps with distancing immensely. When getting up or in shared workspaces or collaborating, we
all wear masks. Many take their laptops and work outside; the office has a beautiful outdoor courtyard and terrace.”
The clarity of the client’s vision paired with the team’s attention to detail made this project extremely satisfying. It is especially gratifying to see the office fit the client’s needs, even during the current pandemic.
Retrofit Team
ARCHITECT: Mark Odom Studio
MEP ENGINEER: AYS Engineering
STRUCTURAL: Leap!
BUILDER: Franklin Alan LLC
LANDSCAPE: Linda Balagia Landscape Designs
COLLABORATION INTERIORS: The Renner Project
Materials
ENERGY-EFFICIENT GLAZING: SunGuard SNX 51/23 from Guardian Glass
IPE WOOD EXTERIOR DECK: Artisan Hardwood
CORK FLOORS: World Floors Direct
CABINETRY AND WALL PANELING: Sawdust Studio
GLASS PARTITIONS: Ramirez Welding, (512) 924-2441
ACOUSTIC WORK STATIONS: Herman Miller
HVAC: Carrier
TPO ROOF: Versico Roofing Systems
BEFORE PHOTO: Mark Odom Studio
AFTER PHOTOS: Leonid Furmansky