helping small businesses
build what they love.
Build Cowork + Space developed a collaborative work community to be a functional space for entrepreneurs to grow and flourish in small towns.
ARCHITECTURE, INTERIOR DESIGN, SIGNAGE
INTRODUCTION
8,500 SF
date
2021
team
Cally Lange
Lauren Knapke
Stephanie Leistenschneider
Valerie Post
Build Cowork + Space | Bellefontaine, Ohio
Located in the heart of Downtown Bellefontaine, Build Cowork + Space is a collaborative work community designed to inspire, connect, and enable small businesses and solopreneurs in small towns. They not only offer a workspace for those without but provide access to a network of professionals who offer business training and consulting through Build Small B* School. Build Cowork is not just a place to work on their businesses, but the support they need to succeed.
BUILD COWORK + SPACE WEBSITE
Over the two years since the initial building walk-through, the Revival team was dedicated to designing a functional, yet professional, coworking space that would spark inspiration in those who call Build Cowork their home office. Programming was a very important part of this project. Our architecture team needed to utilize the existing historic footprint of the building and work with the client to figure out the perfect balance between private offices and coworking space. We addressed a dedicated private office space, shared office spaces, secured areas, dining areas, and areas solely for collaboration and learning, all while providing an environment conducive to communication and growth.
historic restoration
With most of the historic storefront cornice missing, and what was remaining in irreparable condition, we had to design a replacement. The cornice design had to be compatible with the historical details that once were and be able to be constructed with modern, maintenance-friendly materials. We made a plan, got to work, and restored the area back to its former glory.
A Convincing Color Palette
Taking into consideration the materials and colors of the adjacent buildings, as well as the overall aesthetic of West Columbus Avenue, our designers selected paint colors for the newly restored facade. This beautiful historic building had been painted white for decades, so proposing a colorful, historic palette took a little convincing. We worked with the building owners and were able to come to a decision on a classic, timeless, and historic palette that respects the origins of the structure.
outdoor patio
Varying finished floor heights inside the three existing storefronts posed a challenge with the new patio, as each storefront door needed to be ADA-compliant. Our project team carefully planned and executed a patio design that, complied with accessibility requirements, and provided enough flat usable area for functional outdoor dining. This solution also had enough slope to drain water away from the building and into the street properly.
Due to the sidewalk being public property and too narrow to accommodate outdoor dining, we worked with city officials to approve changes to the design of the space and started construction. The proposed and approved design included a new, private, fifteen feet deep by fifty-five feet long patio, with a public sidewalk wrapping around it where parking spaces had previously been located. The guardrail, while thoughtfully designed to enclose the private patio (complying with liquor license regulations), reinforced the new tenant’s aesthetic on the exterior of the building. The contractors installed footings for a future canopy structure, ensuring the newly poured concrete patio would not be disturbed when the developer was ready to move into their next phase.
Initially, the signage started out as inspirational. Our designers knew we wanted something that was illuminated and would draw people’s eye from Main Street. We worked on drawing elevations to determine the perfect scale for the cabinet sign on the front facade of the building. Once the scale was determined, our team reached out to DaNite Sign Co. to collaborate on the fabrication of the sign and to select the perfect material for the look desired.
DESIGN
conceptual animation
Throughout the construction process, our team worked to develop 3D conceptual renderings and animations for the client to envision the space. They used the animations as marketing tools to promote Build and spark interest in the community. These animations were perfect for people to see the office space ahead of time and begin purchasing their memberships before the project was complete.
With cognac leathers, dark rich walnut wood, and fabric & carpet tiles inspired by menswear, Build Cowork has a historic, masculine appeal. Our client found a distinctive milk glass city sign that he wanted to be incorporated into the space. Within the community kitchen, there was an abundance of wall space from the countertop to the soaring height of the historic ceiling. Our designers utilized this space by creating a unique cabinet that would house multiple city signs. Each city appearing in this art installation had relevance to our client and their mission of rebuilding small towns.
An original piece from the oldest concrete street in America — located right here in the small town of Bellefontaine — anchors the bar and community kitchen. This uniquely fun idea took quite a few minds to engineer. Our designers envisioned an acrylic box holding the concrete piece, appearing as if it were floating. It was to blend seamlessly into the concrete countertop without seeing the supports holding the box to the counter. It’s the little details that make big statements.
rooftop oasis
There’s nothing quite like working outside and breathing in that fresh air. This rooftop patio took much consideration from all teams involved to make it another comfortable office space, with no detail left untouched. First up was contemplating wind load and how to create a sound and strong structure. From there, find the perfect paver system to install over the roof to allow drainage, and create shade with layered suspension shade sails for those extra sunny days. This rooftop feature allowed for maximizing their workspace and creating yet another stand–apart feature for members to enjoy.
Toward the end of the project, we worked with vendors to design and fabricate signage throughout the space. We developed custom gold and acrylic floor directories that would be located near the steps to each level — detailed with 3D floorplans and room assignments. We developed raised logo lettering above the lockers that visitors can see upon entering the rear of the building.
Whether you’re starting a business, you’re a freelancer, or you’re remotely working, Build Cowork + Space has the agency to inspire, connect, and enable — all experienced in a modern and distinctive space.
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