PenAir Credit Union desired a striking design for a new branch in a high-visibility location to boost community awareness. The chosen site was an existing 19,000-square-foot, three-story building on Airport Road, previously a bank suffering from significant water intrusion issues.
To address these issues and align with PenAir’s branding, the building underwent extensive renovation. The project involved selective demolition to strip the structure down to its core, followed by the installation of a new curtain wall and storefront facade, roof, HVAC system, and upgraded restrooms. In partnership with HLGstudio, the outdated interiors were modernized with new offices and finishes.
The redesigned bank interior breaks away from traditional layouts, replacing glass partitions with open, hospitality-inspired lounge areas and furnishings to create a more welcoming and comfortable environment for customers.
The renovation of Brighten Park represents the quintessential design of current neighborhood centers. It answers the demands of this upscale community with a unique mix of organic grocery, retail, dining, and services amidst quality modern design with an organic sensibility. The renovation of this 1986 center not only extends the life but also rejuvenates an everyday neighborhood center into something special and unique to serve its community. Brighten Park’s unique revitalized vision provides shoppers reason to come back time and time again, not only to shop and dine but to gather and celebrate with their neighbors.
The center was designed with sophisticated exterior finishes, reflective of the high-end shopper, as well as architecture that reflects classic sensibilities with organic-modern details. The site design included patterned and textured shopping streets, as well as lush, stylized landscaping that not only enhances the organic feel of the center but serves as protective barriers for shoppers.
Designed by Principal Larry Sweat while with a previous firm.
In order to preserve one of America’s treasured pieces of art, housed in Atlanta’s Grant Park, a new building was designed for the “Battle of Atlanta” during the renovation of the Atlanta History Museum. The oil painting is one of the world’s largest works of art at 47’ x 358’ and weighing nearly nine tons. The design of a new museum to house the painting would allow it to be viewed in its entirety; the first time since 1922. The museum addition would feature a 360-degree viewing platform, rising 12 feet above the gallery floor, and offering guests the opportunity to view the 15,000-square-foot painting as people experienced it in the late 1800s.
Due to area zoning that mandated a three-story height limitation, the building was recessed below grade to accommodate the artwork. The new facility provided a state-of-the-art conditioned space to regulate both temperature and humidity, in order to prevent further deterioration to the painting. An added benefit was that the environment allowed for the installed painting to be restored over a 12-month period.
Another significant addition to the project was the introduction of The Texas, a coal-fired locomotive steam engine that was prominent in the story of the great train chase of the Civil War. Also transported from the Grant Park location, the design team wanted this aspect to be a strong visual element visible from the street.
Planning the removal, transportation, and ultimate re-installation of the piece of art to its new home spanning two years and a team of over 200 architects, contractors, historians, art conservators, and countless specialists.
Designed by Principal Larry Sweat while with a previous firm.
After years of neglect, the redesigned Bo Diddley Plaza is a vibrant and inviting space for people to gather and enjoy a range of daytime and evening activities. Situated along the bustling University Avenue in historic Gainesville, the plaza’s reimagining incorporates an industrial modern feel that pays homage to Gainesville’s rich heritage, while embracing a contemporary vision of urban life.
Drawing inspiration from the Plaza’s weekly farmer’s market and free Friday concerts, the plaza’s new layout was crafted to enhance visitor experiences. From the introduction of a café with both indoor and outdoor seating to the staff information kiosk and modern bus shelter, every element has been curated to infuse the area with a renewed sense of energy. Noteworthy features, such as an interactive water feature at the park’s entrance and the preservation of the existing heritage oak trees, further enhance the plaza’s appeal.
A highlight of the redesign is the updated amphitheater, now boasting state-of-the-art facilities, including public restrooms, storage, and a green room with changing areas for performers. With reduced planter heights to optimize visibility, thoughtfully planned pathways, and informative signage, Bo Diddley Plaza attracts residents and visitors, providing a renewed sense of community and belonging.
The museum renovation of the Atlanta History Center and Cyclorama included the redesign of both the exterior and interior of the facility as well as an addition for a historic painting. The surrounding landscaped grounds have long served as a unique invitation to museumgoers to enjoy the history of Atlanta. As a means of celebrating the gardens through architecture, guests are greeted through a series of concentric spaces defined by transparent and solid garden walls leading into the museum. The net result was a new entrance that served to complement the existing, adjacent Swan House, one of Atlanta’s greatest architectural treasures.
The exterior renovation created a new entrance, which reflects a stronger civic presence and provides a significant approach to the building. The new site design includes a formal arrival space and improvements to an existing motor court to ease pedestrian access to the existing parking deck. With two concepts at play, the front building façade is very open and welcoming, accentuating a two-story glass wall that creates a “lantern-like” presence along West Paces Ferry Road at night.
The interior program included an expanded lobby, a new bookstore, and restaurant. There is a special events area for 500 people, as well as improvements to visitor circulation, ceilings, and wall finishes in the public areas connecting to the exhibit galleries. The Allen Atrium, a two-story rotunda, is one of the key enhancements, providing the museum flexibility and expanded capabilities for artifact displays and other special programming and events.
Designed by Principal Larry Sweat while with a previous firm.
