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.