Giattina Aycock Architecture Studio Commercial Projects
JEMISON FLATS
Located a block west of the economically vital urban core, Jemison Flats is comprised of the redevelopment of three abandoned, contiguous downtown buildings into a mixed-use complex of 57 loft apartments, 25,000 square feet of office space, covered parking for 200 cars, and a small public park. The resulting community is a successful example of urban redevelopment, increasing the energy and economic activity of a decayed downtown.
Working with a tight budget and respectful of historic guidelines, the design team researched materials and layouts to minimize partitions, maximize light infiltration, and create visual interest in each living unit. In the early stage of construction, one apartment was constructed as a full-scale mock-up to test materials, evaluate partition heights and refine the detailing and overall flow.
To optimize the number of apartments and bring natural light through each space, the units were designed as long rectangles, with kitchens and open living areas at the glazed exterior walls to take maximum advantage of daylight and city views. Bedrooms and baths are primarily internal, with translucent partitions of corrugated plastic to draw borrowed daylight inward. An economical alternative to glass, the plastic partitions serve as light filters and add dimensional texture not found in typical apartments.
Commercial renovations include the restoration and re-glazing of a skylit dome in the original meeting hall for the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce. This space is now the offices of a local advertising agency.
At level one, sunlight now illuminates commercial spaces. 1980’s-era dark glazing was replaced with clear glass in wood framing as in the building’s original design. The architects worked with a local blacksmith to create a handcrafted steel door and copper canopy at the main entry. Outside, the design team orchestrated sidewalk improvements, selected street trees, updated light poles, and designed a landscaped urban park for loft residents, commercial tenants and the general public.
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