RETRO.spection - History provides us with a chance to learn. Built in 1924, The Katz Building renovation, located at 1726 7th Avenue, provided an opportunity to re-visit the question… How should we work?
LIGHT – Historic Ybor City was founded on its cigar industry. Requirements for these buildings was an abundance of light and ventilation. The project has two 400 sqft internal roofs with 10’x20’ skylights that illuminate the 1st Floor. Without access, the 2nd-floor walls were opened, full-light doors installed to create outdoor patios. All office doors were removed and full-light doors installed with transoms to maximize light from 2nd-floor skylights.
CO.LAB.oration – Filled with dark narrow corridors, the design team designed places to gather, share, create, and live. Offices were sacrificed to create shared conference rooms, quiet reflection rooms, and gathering niches. The space was designed for the outdoor courtyards to flow between the new central lobby and lead to the iconic 7th Avenue balcony.
TEXTURES – Blessed with 100-year-old brick, design decisions were made to both simplify the palette, as well as accent warmth. Wood panels recycled from northeastern farms create a focal point when you reach the 2nd-floor lobby. Aged copper tile walls continue to bring simplified age into the project.
DETAILS – Quality is imbued in what we touch. Working with local craftsmen, special thought was put into the front entry experience. The simple, but weighted door handle pull, provides a hint of modernity with matching handrails. The granite steps were cut in sequence so the veins aligned to create a sense of movement.
MIXED-USE – With Professional offices on the 2nd-floor, the work experience is enhanced by the 1st floor retail by the family-owned Long Ash Cigar Shop and Due Amici Pizza. New cigar-aging rooms with updated LED lighting and mechanical systems, without losing its character. Due Amici’s dining area was with a similar pallet.
