Retail Centers
Owner:
Borders Books
Design:
Woodward Design Group (John Dalton, AIA, LEED AP)
Size:
23,000 square feet
Budget:
$4,000,000
Completion:
October 2008
Borders Books
This unique project involved the conversion of the Bultman Funeral Home on St. Charles Ave. into a Borders Books, combining historic preservation of the building’s exterior while building a steel-frame structure within the the buildings original facade. This created a unique callenge for Woodward Design Group, Woodward Engineering Group, Woodward Steel Group and the Woodward Design+Build construction team to create a modern retail space in the shell of a historic and well known structure.
Varying floor heights, existing structure and multiple roof lines did not support the tenant’s design criteria. Thus, the architects designed a new structure that fit within and connected to the existing exterior walls. The addition of a new rear entry juxtaposes contemporary design against the backdrop of the existing exterior façade. Reminiscent to George Washington’s Mount Vernon in the front elevation, a note worthy reappearance is detected at the new rear entrance by the repetition of the eminent columns that flank St. Charles and Louisiana Avenues. In addition, the design team and owner worked closely with the Historic District to ensure both neighborhood support and the desired historical detail.
After the partial demolition, steel bracing was put in place to support the original remaining wooden structure. Incorporating the wood exterior walls into the new modern commercial building allowed for innovative design concepts in the exterior building. Historic preservation restrictions prevented the removal of the exterior siding, which also prevented the installation of a continuous weather-resistive barrier. An exterior wall was designed that actively dries out any moisture entering the cavity by utilizing high borate cellulose and the building HVAC system.
Navigating the multiple challenges of design and construction within the existing building footprint defined this project. The result is a functional retail space that maintains the historic integrity of the exterior building shell. Woodward Design+Build built the exterior shell and installed the escalator. The store has opened to many rave reviews!
