Architecture

Ybor City’s stackDesign Creates Details To Enhance Architecture

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September 21, 2010

Constantin Brancusi once said that architecture is inhabited sculpture. There is a company in Tampa that seems to have taken this concept to heart.Based in Ybor City, stackDesign Inc. doesn't build buildings. It designs and fabricates the details that give the building personality and style. It is responsible for the 20-foot door pulls at Tampa Covenant Church, the custom frame that encases the public art at Tampa's Riverwalk, those steel-tree looking sculptures that conceal support columns at Boizao Brazilian Steakhouse and most recently, the architectural elements that greet visitors to the Chilhuly exhibit at the Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg.stackDesigns designed the panels that greet visitors both outside and in the main entrance of the exhibit. A 900-pound steel door pivots to allow visitors into the exhibit, also designed by stackDesign."The Chilhuly project was a collaboration with Alfonso Architects," says Harry Parker, sales director for stackDesign. "The implementation of raw steel as a finished surface is generally unusual, but is a modern aesthetic both we and the architect embrace. The pivot door is truly an engineering success, and marks the start of the tour of the exhibit -- 900 pounds effortlessly pivoting on two points."The uniqueness of the raw steel is in the natural bluing that occurs during its forming," continues Parker. "The steel is termed 'hot rolled carbon steel,' with the variations in colors from one panel, each unique as a fingerprint, occurring as the steel rolls off the coil and cools. This material is nearly always finished, as we did on the exterior sign, which we powder coating to resist rust. But in a climate controlled environment and properly treated, it will maintain its original, organic form. To modernists like ourselves, it's the baby."Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Harry Parker, stackDesign, Inc.

Latest in Architecture

2 Of Downtown Tampa’s Best-Known Office Buildings Reach Capacity

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Architecture

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September 7, 2010

Tampa's tallest and largest office buildings are at capacity.In August 2010, 100 North Tampa, the tallest at 589 feet, reached 100 percent capacity, while Bank of America Plaza, the largest at nearly 800,000 square feet and located at 101 E. Kennedy Blvd. recently reached 93 percent occupancy. Property experts credit downtown Tampa's amenities with its strong tenancies."All the buildings downtown are in close proximity to one another, forming a core," says Michael Hoffman, first vice president at CB Richard Ellis, which manages Bank of America Plaza. "It's easy to walk to lunch and you run into people with whom you want to do business. There's a synergy downtown that a lot of suburban offices don't enjoy."Phil Dinkins, vice president at CLW Real Estate Services Group, which manages 100 North Tampa, agrees. "Downtown Tampa's always been a desirable place, but over the years we've accumulated more features that make it even more desirable such as the performing arts center, the convention center on the waterfront, the aquarium, the St. Pete Times Forum, the history museum, art museum and children's museum. I think what we're seeing is that downtown is getting better and better.""Downtown has a very specific type of tenant who wants to be downtown," says Hoffman. "With the condos, which is relatively new to downtown Tampa, you've got people who now live here as well as work here.""The condos have made it a 24/7 city," says Dinkins. "The high-speed rail with the terminus center and light rail that we hope will be voted in in November—where does all this tie into? Downtown."Writer: Missy KavanaughSources: Phil Dinkins, 100 North Tampa; Michael Hoffman, Bank of America Plaza

Photo Slideshow: Dali Museum, St. Petersburg

By Julie Busch

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Architecture

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August 31, 2010

The anticipated January 2011 opening of the new Dali Museum adds to the growing collection of museums in St. Petersburg, Tampa and Sarasota as the Tampa Bay region boosts its reputation as a top destination for arts enthusiasts from all over the world. Among the newest? The Tampa Museum of Art, the Chihuly Collection and the Glazer Children's Museum, all helping spur the region's economy by creating jobs and an environment that appeals to business and industry executives looking to relocate.

Sarasota’s Ringling College Of Art And Design Earns 2 LEED Golds

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Architecture

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August 31, 2010

Two buildings at Sarasota's Ringling College of Art and Design have been awarded LEED gold certification.The college's Academic Center and North Hall Student Housing building, designed by architect Donald Lawson of The Lawson Group and built by Willis A. Smith Construction, opened in the fall of 2009 and embody a core mission of the college's leadership."We felt it important to demonstrate our commitment to the environment by 'walking the talk' and letting our students experience the results of a well-designed, healthy living, learning and working environment," says Larry Thompson, president of Ringling College. "In the end it is all about design and by exposing them to this state-of-the-art facility we hope that they as leaders in the art and design field will influence decisions that will benefit our environment."The 82,000-square-foot Academic Center is five stories and features a 200-seat auditorium, three galleries, two classrooms, a design center and a café lounge area. The second floor comprises six classrooms flexibly designed to also serve as an auditorium. The third and fourth floors are configured with as-needed spaces. The fifth floor contains eight studios.The 75,000-square-foot, five-story North Residence Hall features offices, classrooms, a mail room, recreational room, and a student project room on its first floor, with dorm rooms, student project rooms, study rooms, and laundry rooms on its remaining floors. The second floor hosts a warming kitchen. Donald Lawson of The Lawson Group states that, "Few institutional buildings in North America have achieved Gold Certification, and this recognition for both new buildings at Ringling firmly positions the college at the forefront of green building design. It recognizes these two new facilities as learning laboratories for educating Ringling students and the Sarasota community in the principles of green design and provides a living example for other organizations to follow."Writer: Missy KavanaughSources: Dr. Larry Thompson, Ringling College of Art & Design; Donald Lawson, The Lawson Group

Hillsborough Education Foundation Moves Into Historic Building

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Architecture

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August 24, 2010

Tampa teachers have a new place to go for resources and supplies.The Hillsborough Education Foundation has moved into new digs at 2306 N. Howard Ave., which served as a cultural and social center in the 1930s. According to Melinda Dale, the foundation's marketing manager, the move brings two entities together under one roof. "We moved into this building in mid-June of this year," she says. "Our Teaching Tools program and our administrative offices were in two separate locations. The Teaching Tools staff and supply store were at 3719 Corporex Park Drive, and the Foundation's administrative offices were in the Erwin Hi-TEC Center on Hillsborough Avenue. Now we are all housed in one location."Dale says minimal renovations were required. "We had some renovation work to do to open up areas that the Museum of Art had sectioned off for their usage. The main construction needed was in the downstairs areas. We removed temporary walls and opened up the whole area to allow for more space. We will be working to raise funds to complete restoration projects on the historic aspects of the building." A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Sept. 27 at 5:30 p.m. An RSVP is required by Sept. 20. The Teaching Tools program and supply store provide Hillsborough County teachers with free school supplies. According to Dale, the Teaching Tools program joined forces with the Hillsborough Education Foundation in 2006. "The program is open to 87 eligible Title I schools and education sites and has a waiting list of 68 schools. Every year approximately 1,800 teachers come to receive free supplies. With the new location we will be able to broaden our reach to more schools in the county."Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Melinda Dale, Hillsborough Education Foundation

St. Petersburg’s Jannus Executive Suites Offer Privacy, Bird’s-Eye Views

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Architecture

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August 17, 2010

Imagine hosting your next business party with The Flaming Lips performing live in the courtyard below.It's now possible.St. Petersburg's Vector Commercial Real Estate is leasing 10 high-end, full service Class A office suites at Jannus Landing, 200 First Ave. N.And lessees will get four free VIP concert tickets worth $9,000 as well as access to almost every concert at Jannus Live from a reserved balcony area. The balcony area offers access to private bars and restaurant facilities. The suites share a lobby area with a full-time receptionist, conference room, break room, free parking, janitorial services and free local and long-distance phone service and free high-speed Internet access. Spaces available range from 144- to 288-square-feet starting at $895 per month, plus the four VIP tickets for concerts at Jannus Live. Leases are available for one-year to five-year terms.Vector sales associate Jon Reno La Budde sheds light on how the suites offer unparalleled perks. "The suites are actually above the building that forms the back wall of Jannus Live on the east side. This building is currently being transformed into a hospitality building that will include a sushi bar and Saki lounge called 'Pure' on the first floor.""The second-floor suites are much like the VIP Suites you may see at sporting venues," he explains. "Private rooms include your own wet bar, wide screens and your own VIP hostess. The third-floor executive suites are probably a step above most executive suites because it is a complete renovation of an older building."Jannus Live is an outdoor concert venue between Second and Third Streets North in downtown St. Pete. Upcoming concerts at Jannus include shows by the Glitch Mob, Big Boi (from Outkast), Great White, Vampire Weekend and the Flaming Lips.Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Jon Reno La Budde, Vector Leasing

Tampa’s Towers at Channelside Offer Luxury At Reduced Prices, New Loans

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Architecture

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August 3, 2010

The Towers of Channelside recently received FHA financing approval. Add that to its already reduced lease rates, and Tampa urbanites could have themselves a sweetheart of a deal.The FHA financing benefits include a low 3.5 percent down payment, a credit score as low as 600, low-fixed or ARM rates and a slightly higher debt to income ratio. In addition, you don't have to be a firsttime homebuyer."This is great news for people who are looking to own a new home," says Steve McAuliffe, president of JMC Realty. "Buyers will be able to take advantage of this opportunity with a minimal down payment."The new financing option isn't the only advantage at The Towers of Channelside. Prices for the residential condos have been reduced up to 45 percent of the original asking prices. Prices range from $178,000 for a one-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath design to $390,000 for a high floor three-bedroom, three-bath home. Penthouses start at $500,000."The FHA financing benefits combined with the great pricing we have to offer will help the future viability of this project as well as others in the Channel District," says McAuliffe. "We expect to see more buyers'' because more affordable downtown living is now available.The 28-story twin towers are comprised of 257 luxury residential condominium homes.. The residences feature expansive balconies and panoramic views of the waterfront and downtown Tampa. Other features include a resort-style amenities deck on the fifth floor with clubhouse and one of the largest swimming pools and entertainment areas in the region. The deck, which rests above the four-level parking garage (most homes come with two parking spaces), connects the two towers. The Towers of Channelside homes are within easy walking distance of an array of restaurants, numerous entertainment venues, and a variety of shops.Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Steve McAuliffe, JMC Realty

Sustainable Living Through New Bradenton Community, Garden

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Architecture

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July 20, 2010

Sustainable living is celebrated at Neal Communities through its newest offering, Central Park at Lakewood Ranch, as well as a progressive project underway across the street.Neal collaborated with Bruce Williams Homes on the 800-home Central Park project. The six neighborhoods are named for historic and popular urban parks across the country: Miami's Brickell Park, New York's Gramercy and Claremont parks, Jackson County Missouri's Longview Lake, Atlanta's Piedmont Park and St. Louis' Forest Park. Homes are Green Built and celebrate rather than overpower the natural surroundings. According to Neal, price points are in what the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index considers the most affordable in 18 years. Homes in the Central Park community start at $126,990.The gated community's focal point is a 10-acre park with a softball field, tennis courts, children's splash park, dog parks, picnic areas, gazebos, gardens, fountain, walking area and an abundance of green space. Directly across the street from Central Park are six acres of land set aside for Smart Farm of Lakewood Ranch, a project spearheaded by four moms on a mission who appealed to Rex Jensen, CEO of Schroeder Manatee Ranch Inc., which owns the land on which Neal Communities builds its neighborhoods.The project has organized as a 501c(3) nonprofit entity and plans to provide the community and general public with educational opportunities and fresh produce. "Our first priority is education," says Jaden Hair, a Lakewood Ranch mom whose research and enthusiasm set the project in motion. "We want to provide hands-on opportunities in an educational setting for school children -- an education center for moms to take their kids to. And we plan to sell our produce to public and local restaurants."The six acres have been fenced, and Phase 1 will be underway in October 2010.Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Jaden Hair, Smart Farm

Manatee County Approves Construction For New Technical Institute Campus

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Architecture

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July 13, 2010

The Manatee County School Board has approved the construction of a new campus for the Manatee Technical Institute. The campus will be located on 30 acres off State Road 70 in Bradenton and will replace the 50-year-old campus on 34th Street.The $41 million project allows for a state-of-the-art facility that will house all of the institute's programs under one roof. While the building will not be LEED certified, it will have several green aspects. "We will use as many green materials, systems and designs as we can," says Mike Bryant, principal architect at Fawley Bryant. "It's about being good stewards of the earth but also building healthy buildings using certified green products."Some of the easy things we will do include using low VOC paints and furniture so when you walk into the building you won't smell it. We will also use highly insulated glass and shading devices on the windows, high-efficiency air conditioning systems and task-oriented lighting devices to reduce energy used. And we can install flow-low toilets, an efficient irrigation system and landscaping that requires less watering."Bryant adds that Manatee Schools has committed to using a photovoltaic roof that makes the most of the sun's energy. "The technology has evolved to where the sheets are more flexible and house a photovoltaic system that is easier and less expensive to install," he says.A key design feature is a multipurpose space that will open to a 170-seat teaching auditorium and provide a complete line of sight into most labs through large expanses of glass. Classrooms and labs will facilitate classes in culinary arts, cosmetology, construction, machining, drafting, welding and IT.Construction is expected to start in March 2011 and be completed by January 2013.Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Mike Bryant, Fawley Bryant

New Garage Means Fewer Parking Woes Near Tampa Port, Channelside

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Architecture

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July 13, 2010

Whether you're taking a cruise to the Yucatan or attending one of the many public events held at the Tampa Port, scratch worrying about parking off your list of things to do to prepare.Parking near the port got a whole lot easier this summer with the addition of another 730 parking spaces to the Channelside district in the form of a five-story garage that features a first-floor clearance of 18 feet for transport trucks and three above-ground levels for passenger parking."The new parking garage at Channelside, with its modern look and utilitarian first floor clearance is a much-needed and appropriate addition to downtown," says Port Authority Director Richard Wainio. "Large trucks will benefit from the 18-foot clearance, ensuring a smoother process of servicing cruise ships, and customers will enjoy access to more parking spaces, especially during special events and other peak times."In addition to providing greater clearance for trucks carrying supplies to and from cruise ships docked at the port, the new garage offers additional parking for visitors to the shops and restaurants at Channelside Bay Plaza, the Florida Aquarium and the St. Pete Times Forum.The garage, which spans a city block, is located right across the street from the Port of Tampa, with entrances off 12th Street and Channelside Drive. The structure itself has already garnered awards from both the Tampa and Orlando chapters of the American Institute of Architects. HKS Architects and Kraft Construction designed and built the multicolored building to fit in the flavor the district, with its exterior lettering spelling out "Channelside" in uppercase letter and its reflective-tile surface.Tampa's Channelside district features art deco-style buildings that house apartments and condos such as the Place at Channelside and the Slade, entertainment, dining and shopping. An electric streetcar runs from Ybor City through the district daily. The line connects to downtown trolley lines at the Dick Greco Plaza.Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Richard Waino, Tampa Port Authority