View of Poudre Garage looking west across downtown Fort Collins, to Horsetooth Mountain.

““They managed to design a brand new wing honoring the historic portion and its origin. We are truly pleased with how the project turned out. This building is not only an investment but it is also our personal office. It is a delight to work in such a beautiful space and we get compliments on it from clients all the time.””

— Tricia Diehl, Project Manager and co-owner

The Poudre Garage, a renovation and addition to an historic U.S. Forest Service garage building originally built in 1936-37, has received the Downtown Colorado Inc. (DCI) Governor’s Award for Downtown Excellence during a virtual conference event held last week.

The Governor’s Award recognizes exemplary commitment to the formation of projects which enhance and encourage the integrity and potential of an area. Winning projects positively impact the local community through commitment to the downtown, larger plan of the community, and overall culture and nature of the community where it resides.

[au]workshop are quite pleased that DCI recognized the extra effort that was taken to make the Poudre Garage a great addition to the street, the neighborhood and downtown Fort Collins.

We strove to make the addition compatible with the original building and context without imitating the existing materials and style.

The original building was built as a Forest Service supervisor’s warehouse, combining administrative and vehicle maintenance functions. As the building aged and USFS needs changed, it underwent a series of modifications. The art-deco garage doors were replaced with fixed glazing, and other openings were filled when the USFS converted the building to office uses, before selling the property in 1995. Various alterations made the building ineligible for the National Register, yet it retained the majority of its historic character and was designated a local landmark in 1997.

The Poudre Garage addition takes its design cues from the art-deco styling, existing massing, and materiality of the original building, carefully acknowledging its historic neighbors while optimizing a highly constrained urban infill site. A symmetrical art-deco-inspired design concept helps the addition remain compatible with the original garage, while using contemporary materials and detailing to avoid imitation and distinguish itself from the historic construction.

The project adds six loft-style apartment units to the site, increasing the neighborhood’s sense of security and walkability, and replaces existing surface parking with concealed spaces. The roof of the historic building is utilized as exterior living areas for the units, activating the building facade.

We worked closely with the client throughout the process, as the building was, and remains, the home of their business. The ground level interior was reconfigured for office and commercial uses, including the client’s offices, that activate the street. The exterior of the historic garage was also restored, with non-original storefront replaced with glazed garage-style doors that provide a hint of its former use, while increasing transparency and porosity.

The Poudre Garage also recently received a design Award of Distinction from the Colorado Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

You can see additional images at the project page, and view the awards submission here.

View along Remington street, with restored sconces and new overhead storefront doors visible.

EXTERIOR MURALS, GRAPHIC DESIGN, AND SCULPTURES

In the last of our three posts on local artwork within and surrounding the project, we are examining the murals and sculptures on the exterior of the project. See parts one and two for more information on Willow Street Plaza and the building interior.

For residential and commercial unit availability, please see confluencefc.com. All of the works below are freely accessible during the day, so please be sure to come visit in person!

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Untitled, Tony Zellaha, Color Pusher: Making Art + murals + paintings + illustrations + chalkart in Denver, Colorado

• Paint on concrete

• This one-hundred-foot-long mural stretches along the Poudre Street garage wall, brightening an otherwise blank area with imagined plants, fish and animals that inhabit the confluence of two rivers.

• Contracted through Nine Dot Arts

“Zellaha’s signature fine lines of gradually shifting colors give an otherworldly depth to each element, while the texture of the concrete is allowed to shine through.”

Completed Mural - Detail

Detail view.

Completed Mural - Overall

Overall view.

Completed Mural - Detail

Detail view of bird and river.

Completed Mural - Detail

Detail view of butterfly interacting with building drain with remainder of mural behind.

Overall Elevation

Partial elevation of Building 3 with mural below at garage level.

Elevation Panorama

With mural at ground level and units above.

Study Sketches

Pencil line work for final proposal. Courtesy of Nine Dot Arts.

Color Studies

Color detail studies for final proposal. Courtesy of Nine Dot Arts.

Untitled, Allie Ogg, Illustrator, Designer & Maker

• Paint on concrete

• A confluence of colorful leaves and moths provide a long-axis focal point and a splash of color to the courtyard, while preserving the raw texture of the bare concrete.

• [au]workshop worked directly with Allie to choose from several concepts relating to the nearby river, and to explore how the work would engage with the concrete surface of the second level courtyard wall.

• See additional process images and a time-lapse video of the painting in the gallery below.

“The overlapping colors produce multiple layers of depth ala Rowe and Slutzky’s ‘phenomenal’ transparency, with literally transparent portions allowing the texture of the raw concrete to shine through.”

Completed Mural

At rear exit of courtyard.

Three Concepts

During initial planning phase.

Mockup of Selected Scheme

Final proposal before addition of moths.

Mockup Study in Situ

Photoshopped onto the wall during construction.

Wall and Paint Texture

Detail view of the overlapping colors producing ‘phenomenal transparency’ ala Rowe and Slutzky, with literally transparent portions allowing the texture of the raw concrete to shine through.

Overall Completed Mural

Between Buildings 1 and 2.

Allie Ogg Timelapse

Over three days of painting with some pauses for weather and a few camera malfunctions.

Completed Mural from Courtyard

With unit porches in foreground.

View from Courtyard

Ogg’s friendly shapes and vivid colors provide a vibrant focal point at the end of the courtyard axis.

Confluence Ghost Sign and project directional signage, [au]workshop architects + urbanists, painted by Daniel Crosier

• Paint wash on cedar siding, paint on steel

• The “weathered” project name sign in the Confluence Entry Court echoes the historic “ghost signs” of downtown that have faded with time, with the hope that age will bring additional patina and character to the piece. After a series of experiments to determine the appropriate technique and final location, Daniel Crosier executed the final piece.

• The entry is also highlighted by brightly colored address and directional signs designed by [au]workshop.

““Signs are social. They identify, direct, and decorate.
In a world full of uniform and unimaginative
advertising, ‘ghost signs’ contain the originality and
history that others lack. “”

— City of Fort Collins Historic Preservation

'Ghost Sign' from the 'Prow'

Looking out from the courtyard, with the weathered mural appearance visible.

Entry Court

With orange building signage and ghost sign visible.

Ghost Sign from the Courtyard

With Ranchway Feeds visible beyond.

Entry Court

With orange building signage and ghost sign visible.

Untitled, [au]workshop architects + urbanists (to be installed Fall, 2020)

• Waterjet-cut weathering steel sculpture with integrated downlighting. [au]workshop went through many iterations of the design to arrive at the final piece.

• The text describes the impressions one of the Poudre River Valley’s early anglo-european visitors. Ansel Watrous’ (a local historian) 1911 book, “History of Larimer County, Colorado” includes excerpts of a letter sent in 1852 by one J.R. Todd, who was moving west from Iowa. Ansel Watrous’ own writing tends to be somewhat dry and pragmatic, but Todd is expansive on the beauty of the Cache la Poudre river basin:

• Speaking directly to the beauty of the river banks, as well as to its relationship with ongoing human development, this passage invites visitors to ponder their place in our shared history.

• Fabrication by Hueber Industries

• Additional funding by the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority; the sculpture is sited within a public easement in the Confluence Entry Court.

““Its waters were full of trout of the speckled or mountain variety. The undulating bluffs sloped gently to the valley which was carpeted with the most luxuriant grasses. It was in June, the mildest and most beautiful part of the summer in the western country, when the days were pleasant, the nights cool and mornings crisp and bracing. The sky was scarcely ever obscured by clouds, and its vaulted blue, golden tinted in the morning and evening, was like a dream of beauty. Not an ax had marred the symmetry of the groves of trees that lined the banks. Not a plow, or spade, or hoe had ever broken its virgin soil. Wild flowers of the richest hue beautified the landscape, while above all towered the majestic Rocky Mountains to the westward of the valley, like the grim sentinels they are, ever watching, watching and noting this advancing vanguard of civilization.””

— -J.R. Todd, From Ansel Watrous' 'History of Larimer County, Colorado'

Sculpture - Evening

Internal illumination test with Maxwell Render. Orientation of final sculpture revised.

Sculpture - Day

Lighting study in Maxwell Render testing text legibility without internal illumination.

In Process...

Waterjet cut and welded core-ten sculpture ready for installation, expected November 2020.

Final Shop Drawings

Courtesy of Hueber Industries.

Early Axonometric Study

Of vision for two-sided sculpture, with translucent laminated glass for internal illumination.

Early Vision Rendering

Internally illuminated two-sided sculpture with laminated glass.

Study Models

Of the revised sculpture form.

Sculpture - Evening

Internal illumination test with Maxwell Render. Orientation of final sculpture revised.

INTERIOR MURALS, PRINTS, AND WALLCOVERINGS

In part two of our three-post series on local artwork within and surrounding the project, we are examining the interior. The building offers three unique art and graphic experiments that differentiate the levels and offer unique perspectives on our place.

For residential and commercial unit availability, please see confluencefc.com. While these works are on the interior and not accessible to the public, please get in touch with the residential sales team at The Group to schedule a tour, or you can currently visit the sales office on the ground floor of the project, facing Linden Street.

Find part one of the series here.

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Confluence, Daniel Crosier, Visual Artist

• Paint on drywall in the building’s shared mail room and elevator lobby, at the courtyard level.

• [au]workshop worked directly with Dan to arrive at a concept that took advantage of the wall’s unique shape and spoke to the beauty of the river habitat. The final concept explores an imaginary boundary between the river and its bank and the flora and fauna that inhabit it.

• This space is on the property line, and as such is not permitted to have any unprotected openings, but glass block here provides a welcome natural light that adds additional dimension to the piece.

“Rendered in vivid blue paint, Dan’s signature linework breathes movement and depth into each subject in the mural. ”

Completed Mural

View of ‘river’ side from elevator.

Completed Mural

View of ‘land’ side from entry door and mail area.

Timelapse

Of Dan’s painting in progress.

Early Sketch

Sketch concept of the river and trees.

Refined Concept

With tree roots and the cut-through/sectional characteristics emerging.

Completed Mural - Detail

Showing the fine texture of the piece.

Various, Steve Keating, Fine Art Photographer

• In searching for a cohesive art program for the Building 1 corridors and the entry lobby, we landed on aerial fine-art photographs from local artist Steve Keating. We selected images together from his collection, each featuring a kind of ‘confluence;’ literally a meeting of two rivers in one image, but a merging of roads and shadows in others.

• Steve’s images are taken from a kite, with no knowledge about what he is capturing, which introduces a lovely sense serendipity to these ‘confluences.’ You can read more about the process on his website.

• The prints are archival pigment photographic print under lamination on metallic paper on board. The metallic paper, in particular, adds light and sheen to contrast the slate wall of the elevator lobby, while remaining highly visible and preventing glare. The lamination can be wiped clean (ideal for a shared corridor) and also adds UV protection.

• The frameless mounting with white edge banding is a very clean look and we feel fits well with the architecture.

“​I lift the camera with a kite and walk it around with absolutely no idea as to what the camera is seeing and have no control over what is being captured. This is by intention as I don’t need to know what’s going on. It is a demonstration of letting go of control, or having faith. The only guidance I give the kite is to adjust the height, position it by walking around and keep it from blowing away. That’s all that needs to be done. ”

— Steve Keating

Entry Lobby - Clay Beach 1

One of Steve’s literal confluences, this larger print (36”x36”) provides a focal point to help draw the viewer into the main elevator lobby.

Level 2 Corridor

Orange Pond 4 (24”x24”)

Bright orange salt ponds are set against the distinct green unit entry doors.

Level 3 Corridor

White Sands 1, (24"x24")

One of Steve’s more minimal pieces, two shadows of sand dunes merge as delicate lines.

Level 4 Corridor

Orange Pond 1, 24"x24"

Near the entry to the Community Space, this image of two roads merging between vivid salt ponds is a subtle declaration of community.

N/A, Erik Cox, Wise Ape Design Agency

• Large scale selective reproductions of engravings by ornithologist John James Audubon depict birds and the environments they inhabit. As the project, and the River District in general, straddle the line between the developed and more natural worlds, it seemed appropriate to bring some human observations of nature to the project.

• The highly magnified scale of the prints brings the incredible detail of Audubon’s engravings to the fore. Prints were selected to work with the carpet and paint colors chosen for the space.

• A different print on each floor is visible immediately as the elevator opens, giving each level a unique identity.

  Heavy-duty 3M vinyl, printed and applied by Action Signs, should keep these prints in perfect condition for years to come.

“As I grew up I was fervently desirous of becoming acquainted with Nature.”

— John James Audubon

Level 2 Corridor

Level 4 Corridor

Level 4 - Detail

Level 2 Corridor

Level 3 Corridor

Level 4 Community Space

Level 4 Corridor

As part of its engagement with its place, Confluence and the adjacent plaza feature works by a number of noted Colorado artists. [au]workshop was thrilled to be able to collaborate directly with a number of the the artists, and in other cases we learned a great deal from being on the stakeholder side in discussions with local arts agencies.

Below is part one our three-post series on these works, focused on the plaza. In the coming weeks we will examine the works within and on the building itself.

For residential and commercial unit availability, please see confluencefc.com, and please be sure to come visit Oak Street Plaza in person!

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River-focused works IN WILLOW STREET PLAZA

Although it feels like a part of Confluence, with expansive storefronts opening directly onto the plaza, and Tivoli lighting that ties directly to the building, the Willow Street Plaza is a City of Fort Collins project, designed by local landscape architecture firm BHA Design. The space houses two intertwined works with links to the Poudre River habitat and the historic Mill Race:

In Praise of the Poudre, Andy Dufford, Chevo Studios

• A series of four granite sculptures, ranging from 8’-15’ tall, with aluminum mesh panels that house internal lighting. There are three distinct finishes to each monolith: bush-hammered (rough), flamed (medium), and polished (smooth and glossy). The polished surfaces feature relief carvings of local flora and fauna.

• From City of Fort Collins Art in Public Places: “Artist Andrew Dufford and Chevo Studios worked with the City of Fort Collins Engineering and Utilities Departments as part of the Art in Public Places Program to develop a series of sculptures that enliven the plaza and educate visitors about water quality and natural water systems in Fort Collins.”

• See more on the very challenging carving and placement process (granite is heavy!) at City of Fort Collins Art in Public Places’ website.

“Four undulating granite columns feature relief carvings of the plants, animals, insects and landforms found around, within, and below the Cache la Poudre River – celebrating the elements of a healthy river ecosystem.”

— City of Fort Collins Art In Public Places

Plaza Works - Dusk

Life-Source; With Intention (on ground) and In Praise of the Poudre (vertical sculptures) visible in the Willow Street Plaza at dusk.

In Praise of the Poudre - Detail

Detail view of internal lighting.

Plaza Works - Night

Life-Source; With Intention (on ground) and In Praise of the Poudre (vertical sculptures) visible in the Willow Street Plaza after dark.

In Praise of the Poudre

Close-up view of two of the four granite monoliths.

Plaza Works - Afternoon

Life-Source; With Intention (on ground) and In Praise of the Poudre (vertical sculptures) visible in the Willow Street Plaza in late afternoon.

In Praise of the Poudre - Detail

Detail view of river environment engravings designed for interactivity. Three distinct granite finishes visible.

Life-Source; With Intention, BHA Design

• LED computer controlled lighting in custom ceramic and glass raceways.

• From BHA Design: “Lights underfoot evoke mingling waters along the area’s original millrace that once fed a mill waterwheel east of Confluence (now known as Ranch-Way Feeds). This art is a broad look at our relationship with the river over time and how it has changed from the driving source of our settlement to now a resource we shape for our needs. In this interpretation, it’s hard to tell if the lights influenced the planters, or the other way around, much like our built edge adjacent the river.”

“[...] it’s hard to tell if the lights influenced the planters, or the other way around, much like our built edge adjacent the river.”

— BHA Design

Willow Street Plaza Aerial - Dusk

With Life-Source; With Intention (illuminated curves on ground) and In Praise of the Poudre (vertical sculptures) visible.

Willow Street Plaza Aerial - Day

With Life-Source; With Intention (white curves on ground) and In Praise of the Poudre (vertical sculptures) visible.

Willow Street Plaza - Dusk

With Life-Source; With Intention (illuminated curves on ground) and In Praise of the Poudre (vertical sculptures) visible.

Willow Street Plaza - Day

With Life-Source; With Intention (white curves on ground) and In Praise of the Poudre (vertical sculptures) visible. Tracing one of the lines on the ground has quickly become the chosen route through the plaza for children and adults alike.

Willow Street Plaza and Confluence

Aerial showing their mutually beneficial relationship.

Firm Principal Randy Shortridge was recently quoted in luxury real estate periodical Mansion Global. [au]workshop’s design for the Mandarin Oriental Honolulu, including the cantilevered sky garden and extensive private lanais, was one of several designs discussed in the context of a rising demand for a connection to the outdoors in urban environments.

“ ‘A connection to nature is vital to everyone’s health and wellbeing,’ said Randy Shortridge, cofounder of [au]workshop and architect of The Residences at Mandarin Oriental in Honolulu. ‘People need sunlight and value the long view, the ability to see the horizon. Landscaping stimulates all the senses, too.’ ”

- Mansion Global - “The Ultimate Amenity”

Read the full article, also featuring design from MAD Architects and Skidmore Owings & Merrill and discussions with developers, here, and see additional drawings and renderings at our project page.

The sky garden at the Mandarin Oriental Honolulu Hotel and residences greets guests with a infinity-edge reflecting pool that reconnects them to the horizon.

Some member of our team were in Pasadena last week (at the lovely Huntington Gardens!) for meetings on another project and we wanted to share some progress photos from the Desiderio Homes construction site. Things are coming along!

We also thought we'd take the opportunity to share a little of the history surrounding the site. Both photos are taken from the Colorado Street Bridge, built in 1912, which lends a truly lovely backdrop to the site. In the second photo, you can see the historic Vista del Arroyo Hotel building, which is another beautiful complement dating back to 1920-1930. During WWII, it became the McCornack General Hospital, later becoming Federal offices, and is now the Richard H. Chambers United States Court of Appeals. 

Much of Pasadena is beautiful, but the eight families who inhabit the project will have some pretty amazing architecture in their backyards. 

More to come!

View From Colorado Bridge

Looking down the main project axis.

Historic Vista del Arroyo Hotel in the Background

For all the non-architects out there, a short explanation may be necessary. The design/construction schedule from our perspective is typically described in five stages (though there is some variation in how different architects mark their progress): 

1. Conceptual Design/Entitlements: Initial programming and conceptual layout, preliminary city approvals
2. Schematic Design (SD): Establishment of key relationships and functionality, early development of key design elements, early (and on-going) coordination with Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Structural engineering drawings
3. Design Development (DD): Early development of key details and further coordination with MEP/Structural drawings
4. Construction Documents (CDs): Production of documentation necessary to price and construct the project, including full coordination with MEP/Structural drawings
5. Construction Administration (CA): Continued coordination of documented elements with the construction process in the field

This whole process is also happening simultaneously within the interior design and landscape architecture disciplines, while also coordinating with the architectural team.

Whew! This is all to explain that the Mandarin Oriental Honolulu project is progressing according to schedule, with 100% SD (Schematic Design) having just been completed! We have updated our project page accordingly, with some brand new images and information. As part of developing the design, we've done extensive exploration and modeling in 3d, so we also wanted to share a quick video overview we produced. We're excited to move into Design Development as we begin the new year!

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San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity has officially broken ground on the Lomita Avenue Townhomes! Our own Brian Betsill was in attendance at the August ceremony, and took the picture below of the families selected for ownership digging in. Construction is continuing in the new year through Fall/Winter 2018, so if you're in the Glendale area, click here to volunteer! SGV Habitat also has more information about their partnership with the Glendale Housing Authority and the families selected for the project at their website. 

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Presales for residential units in Confluence are currently underway, with nearly a third of the units already reserved! If you're interested in a residential unit or commercial space, please head over to the Confluence site to learn more before they're all gone!

Below is an example of the two interior finish options in the main living area. We have also added some new images at our project page, if you'd like to see more.

Confluence was featured prominently Sunday in the Business section of the Coloradoan, in a feature on buildings that are reshaping Fort Collins, alongside other projects that are revitalizing the River District. We've received lots of positive feedback on the article, so thank you! If you haven't read it yet, you can find it at the Coloradoan's website, or if you'd like more information on the project, check out our project page or go straight to the Confluence site. 

Presales are going on now, with units going fast!

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[au]workshop is truly grateful for all of our clients, collaborators and friends that helped make 2017 a terrific year! We wish each of you a happy and prosperous 2018!

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To view more images from Honolulu, please head over to the 1500 Kapiolani page! 

We are excited to announce that residential units in Confluence are now available for presale! More information about presales and the commercial spaces available for lease is available at the updated project website. We have also added a few new renderings to our project page. We will have additional information about the individual units (and additional images) in the coming weeks, so check back soon!

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