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619 North Cascade

Colorado Springs, CO

Resource Land Holdings LLC procured 619 North Cascade to serve as the Downtown Colorado Springs Headquarters for their growing business.  The project intent provides jobs within downtown, and refreshes an aged building with a currently lifeless street-front transforming it with exciting and desirable character to complement the future downtown experience.  While respective of neighboring character and building types, all four sides of the building and the public experience are improved.  One of the key goals in the client’s design directive sums it all up…”619 North Cascade should serve as a recruiting tool for our business in drawing MBA’s and potential candidates to want to work in Colorado Springs”.  Reinvigorating old lifeless buildings, improving public experience and street-fronts, and drawing business to downtown Colorado Springs benefit the public and advance goals of the Imagine Downtown Plan.

The exterior of the existing structure was stark, lacking articulation and depth.  The materials were cold, uninviting and outdated.  We added a variety of warm materials to the façade such as brick and WRCLA certified cedar.  The building implements sustainable materials and design strategies throughout the project while embracing respect for the historical nature of the existing and surrounding buildings.  We maintained as much of the existing materials on the exterior as appropriate.  The existing brick at the first floor was in good condition.  Over the course of demolition removed brick was saved to reuse in alternate locations.  The new design incorporates stucco panels, operable windows and sunshades that create articulation and motion on the façade while improving the interior environment.  A tower was added at the west façade to denote the main entry.

The interior of the existing building was dark, with minimal glazing and no connection to the exterior despite stunning mountain views to the west.  The new design maximizes exterior connectivity and views with fixed and operable glazing on all facades.  Glazing at a new penthouse and entry tower also maximizes daylight in the interior spaces.  The existing ceiling was removed and wide flange steel structure exposed in most locations to maximize interior space.  Nearly all of the existing structure was retained.   Glazing was also included in all interior offices to allow visual connectivity to the exterior.  Circulation takes place along gentle radius walls on four sides of the interior offices to create visual interest.  Way finding and departments are emphasized with subtle color differential and low VOC materials are used throughout.  The design also introduces a fitness room with showers and bicycle storage allowing occupants the opportunity to commute via bicycle. 

Since its completion, the Resource Land Holdings building has been well received throughout the downtown district of Colorado Springs.  The project was awarded a grant from the Downtown Development Authority due to its benefit to the revitalization of Downtown Colorado Springs. The adjacent neighborhood and nearby Colorado College have received the project as a step forward in bringing progressive Architecture to Colorado Springs. Area: 15,000 SF

AIA Colorado 2009 Jury Comments:
"A great example of adaptive re-use and why one should use an architect. If ever there was a project that showcased the "value" an architect brings to a project this was it!"

"Very nice transformation - a complete make-over."

"Very 3 dimensional - a lot going on compared with original building.You would not recognize this building if you had missed the make-over construction."

"Interior well done within such tight constraints - restrained, well thought out and nice use of color."

"We liked the 'opening' of spaces on to one another. We also liked that the architect kept the 'funky' 60's stair rail."

"The transformation is clearly of its own time - a poster child for what can be!"

PROJECT TEAM

Tom Hoover - Principal In Charge

SERVICES PROVIDED

Architecture
Interior Design
Three Dimensional Rendering & Graphic Design

AWARDS

AIA South Chapter 2009 Design Award