801 West 10th Studio

This space was vacated by Oberklasse Auto Werks and set empty for several years.  The five drive-in repair bays are at three different levels responding to the slope of 10th street which provided challenges to a change of use. The design preserves the spirit of the old german car garage, while reimagining the space as a modern office. 

The frames of the old garage doors were repaired, and the lower three sections were clad with polygal panels.  They function as shades in the space, providing visual security and diffuse the northern light, but opening up to full transparency when desired.  The existing exposed structure and walls were painted white.  The dangling air hoses found in the existing space were reintroduced by relocating the connections and using coiled air hose for data and power drops.  Steel shelves, painted with automotive paint, are parked near the entry to define the conference space. The vibrant space is a light-filled laboratory for creativity, retaining the latent character of the building’s history.