The Arc - Pikes Peak Region - Architecture Story

This project sits directly behind our office off of Pikes Peak Avenue. Though the commute to the project site was short, there were other larger challenges we faced in this remodel. Accessibility was the largest major issue for both buildings, a particular problem for an organization whose mission is to serve those with disabilities. The original buildings complicated that mission, and it needed to be changed.

The two original existing buildings owned by the Arc were forty to fifty years old and in poor condition. They contained many small rooms in an inefficient layout that didn’t function for its needed purposes. 12 N. Meade, the older building, had been added on to at least three times in the past. Floors were not level and there were ongoing issues with site drainage and water in the basement.

The existing buildings, for all of their shortcomings, had the appeal of their brick exteriors and their mid-century modern architecture underneath it’s flaws. A priority for the design team was to create a unified mini-campus that drew upon and updated the mid-century modern character of the existing buildings. Of course, the largest priority was for the architectural design to serve the needs of Arc’s mission.

The design strategy included fully demolishing the interiors of both buildings and creating a blank slate for their redesign.

Steel framed front and rear exterior walkways were designed to link the buildings functionally and visually, with a design that complements the mid-century modern history of the existing buildings.

The space between the buildings, an existing driveway, was converted to a sheltered courtyard space to be shared by both staff and clients.

An addition was designed for the front of 10 N. Meade that included a new entrance lobby with an elevator and decorative main stairway that transformed the appearance of the building.

All of the building systems were replaced with new energy efficient systems. The building envelopes were upgraded with new insulation, glazing and finishes to transform two outdated buildings into a modern integrated mini-campus.

With these changes and additions, the new buildings serve the needs of the client. The mix of modern and mid century is a beautiful combo that will look great for years to come.