College Oaks

This 1970s multi-tenant office building had been renovated previously, creating an identity crisis for the building. SO Studio used its experience and methodology for historic preservation and updated the building in its second renovation, returning it to its roots while updating to new technologies such as lighting and acoustics.

The elevator core was highlighted with an orange color close to the original found behind an original sign. This core was highlighted not only through color but with new wall washing linear lights, helping with the way finding by indicating the vertical circulation. Other walls were painted bronze, creating a mode more often found in hospitality projects and future contrasting with the highlighted core. The elevator cab was re-skinned with wood veneer that matches the original doors and lighting and flooring updated.

SO Studio worked with two local artists in order to curate and commission art specific for the building. The new carpet pattern mimics the light striations cast front the new lights and the ground floor original brick pavers and matching brick tiles were restored. The design leans into the rich material palette of beautifully layer brick and wood veneers that was left from the original build.