Kress Building

Offices of Quackenbush Architects + Planners

Completion Date
September 2007

Project Budget
$350,000

This once-abandoned Kress shell space faces a busy dowmtown street, separated from the sidewalk by a simple storefront facade. The original plaster ceiling, light fixtures and terrazzo flooring are preserved (other original interior features were removed decades ago) and the high volume of the original space is retained. The design avoids unnecessary partitions in order to promote collaboration, interaction, and spontaneous dialogue in a studio environment. Finishes are simply detailed and most wall surfaces are rendered in brilliant white to distinguish the original materials from the new. Support space is organized along the east at the old floor joint demarcating the extent of the original terrazzo. A loft is formed above the suppport space and provides additional team areas and work stations, and extends west to provide a large team room and private office.

Showcase Project

Lib Jackson Student Center Annex

This project is a two-phase renovation and expansion of the Lib Jackson Student Center. Phase 1 of the project consists of an approximately 40,000 sf addition primarily to the south and west of the existing building with Phase 2 anticipated to be of a similar size positioned to the east. The project is designed to expand student services and provide support for individuals, groups and student organizations. The program spaces facilitate social interaction, recreation, administration and meeting rooms, and features a 250-seat theatre.

Northeast Engineering / Science Classroom Facility Construction

This 68,000 sq. ft. classroom building addition at the Northeast Technology Campus will become the new home of the Engineering and Science departments of the College. The program features teaching labs and classrooms focusing on clean energy technology, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing, supporting the mission of the College’s regional research partners. The design features strategies to provide student centered “casual” spaces that encourage social interaction and collaboration. The facility will showcase flexible spaces and planning strategies to respond to changes in mission and technology.

School Designs Change with the Times

If back-to-school brings visions of the proverbial little red schoolhouse, better think again. Today’s schools are more a combination of brain research, educational advancements, sustainability and technology, bringing new challenges for school architects and designers. This amphitheater was built into the design of the Center for Knowledge as another area of learning. (Photo/Courtesty Quackenbush Architects & Planners) “It’s really like the chicken and the egg,” said architect Doug Quackenbush, as educators and architects collaborate on designing new schools using resources and ideas from both fields. “We give school districts good advice on a fully performing 21st century school while they inform us of new teaching techniques and educational trends.”