Standard Assembly
Large Project (over 25,000 sf)
This mixed-use residential project sits on a former industrial site, featuring two buildings connected by pedestrian bridges. Shared amenities include co-working spaces, resident lounges, a coffee shop, market, indoor/outdoor fitness center, pool, and maker yard. It offers 350 apartments ranging from small studios to large two-bedroom and live/work units.
Awards Year | 2024
Project Statement
Situated adjacent the CSX rail lines and on a previous industrial site, the project integrates seamlessly into the maker and artist community, celebrating local creativity and industrial heritage. The design echoes the site’s industrial history through detailed architectural elements. Outdoor amenities include a ‘living alley’ and green space/active park between two buildings, an outdoor dog park, and two internal courtyards—one with a pool and the other transitioning into an outdoor maker yard. Large windows in the entry/amenity area front the living alley, interpreting the steel warehouse window aesthetic, complemented by industrial materials like brick and metal.
The North building’s ground-floor retail spaces engage with the lively atmosphere of the living alley, drawing foot traffic and enhancing the community’s experience. The retail porch creates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor retail experiences. Facades characterized by sliding planes and a pixelated mosaic provide scale and a distinctive visual identity. The use of masonry, steel, glass, panelized fiber cement, and natural hardwood results in a timeless form.
Locally sourced materials and artwork enrich public and community spaces, reflecting the industrial heritage with modern simplicity. The entry lobby is designed as a flexible space that can transform to meet the community’s needs. Furniture is easily stowable to provide ample space for events or art crawls, and shelving showcases local makers and artists. Industrial elements are represented throughout the design with exposed rebar detailing, steel mesh railings, and plywood wall accents.
This project fosters a layered experience, encouraging discovery and cultivating a unique community atmosphere that celebrates the local maker and artist culture.
Framework for Design Excellence Narrative
Design for Integration: The building’s design is deeply rooted in the local context, seamlessly blending with the surrounding maker and artist community while honoring the site’s industrial heritage. Architectural details like large steel-framed windows, masonry, and industrial materials create a cohesive aesthetic that ties the building to its historical context. The project’s integration of outdoor spaces, such as the living alley, green space, and maker yard, fosters community interaction and enhances the overall urban fabric, providing a dynamic connection between the built environment and the community.
Design for Resources: The project demonstrates a thoughtful approach to resource efficiency and sustainability through the use of locally sourced materials. This choice not only reduces the building’s carbon footprint but also supports the local economy and craftspeople, reinforcing the building’s connection to its community. The use of durable materials like brick, metal, and panelized fiber cement ensures the building’s longevity, while flexible design elements, such as the adaptable entry lobby, maximize the utility of the space, allowing it to serve multiple functions over time.
Design for Equitable Communities: The building promotes inclusivity and community engagement by creating spaces that are accessible and welcoming to all. The ground-floor retail spaces and the living alley activate the streetscape, drawing in diverse groups of people and fostering social interaction. The flexible design of the entry lobby, which can transform to accommodate community events or art displays, further supports the building’s role as a community hub. By celebrating local creativity and providing spaces that cater to various needs, the project contributes to a more equitable and vibrant community.
LEED/Green Certifications
Photo Captions
Photo credits / caption slide 2: The living alley is an improved alley with pavers and zero curbs that connects the two building and provides a unique urban environment. Photo by Corey Gaffer.
Photo credits / caption slide 3: The façade of the building was inspired through the idea of connection through pixelation and scale. Photo by Corey Gaffer.
Photo credits / caption slide 4: The industrial history and context of the site is echoed in the detailing of the buildings. Photo by Corey Gaffer.
Photo credits / caption slide 5: Strategically located lighting emphasizes the wood soffits and steel structures provided a dynamic structure after sunset. Photo by Corey Gaffer.
Photo credits / caption slide 6: The first and second floor plan provide retail spaces, live/work units, and amenities. Photo by Corey Gaffer.
Photo credits / caption slide 7: A simple palette of masonry, steel, glass, and natural hardwood were selected for their timeless and sophisticated form. Photo by Corey Gaffer.
Photo credits / caption slide 8: The Maker Yard creates a space for the makers and artists a part of the community. Photo by Corey Gaffer.
Photo credits / caption slide 9: The project is comprised of two separate buildings connected through the use of an exterior steel pedestrian bridge. Photo by Corey Gaffer.
Photo credits / caption slide 10: A snapshot of some of the interior elements included within this project. Photo by Corey Gaffer.
Photo credits / caption slide 11. The amenity spaces are created to provide a layered experience, to encourage a sense of discovery and cultivate a unique community. Photo by Corey Gaffer.
Photo credits / caption slide 12: Standard Assembly celebrates local makers at every detail. Photo by Corey Gaffer.
Photo credits / caption slide 13: The lobby links to the artist community by providing space to collaborate for events or art crawls. Photo by Corey Gaffer.
Photo credits / caption slide 14: Echoes of Industrial language are represented throughout the interior design of the public and community spaces. Photo by Corey Gaffer.
Photo credits / caption slide 15: Standard Assembly is rooted in the community. Photo by Corey Gaffer.
