850 Tchoupitoulas
Façade renovation and new infill of a pre turn-of-the-century warehouse into Trapolin-Peer’s office.
Category
Commercial
Location
New Orleans, LA
Size
13,000 SF
Year
2014
Trapolin-Peer Architects’ new office space utilized the original building façade of a historic structure in the 800 block of Tchoupitoulas Street to create a modern and collaborative studio space for the firm. This pre-turn-of-the-century building is one of the few remaining designs in New Orleans by James Dakin, a preeminent architect of his time. Originally a three story structure built in 1846 by Sidle and Stewart, the building was previously home to Rowland Redmond, the Royal Broom factory and most recently Standard Supply and Hardware.
In keeping with the building’s historic and cultural past, the granite sills and masonry walls, common to the Warehouse District, were preserved and exposed as architectural design elements. Behind the preserved façade the ground floor is open to accommodate retail tenant space, while the upper two floors house the firm’s office and design studio. The upper floor of the studio space is set back from the street and screened from pedestrian view, preserving the scale and character of Tchoupitoulas Street.
Inside, the building features wood-accented contemporary finishes, custom millwork, and architectural lighting that complement the open floor plans of the offices, studio, and conference rooms. Interior glass walls allow natural light to filter from the street through to the interior offices, while a courtyard in the rear brings natural light and views to open studios and work-space.