Center In The Square
Roanoke, VirginiaRoanoke's Center in the Square building has been one of the city's most notable facilities for more than 25 years, enhancing the community through science and history education, as well as theatre productions. Center in the Square selected Spectrum Design to assist in the renovation and historical preservation of the building to improve its functionality and attract new interest. The firm will renovate the nearly 100-year-old building to its original design, restoring many of the original architectural features that have been lost over time, as well as enhancing the building so that it can continue to be a benefit to the community for years to come. The architects at Spectrum Design reviewed photographs from 1915 to identify the historical warehouse features that would need to be restored such as the original cornices, 15-foot window conditions, and first floor transoms. Designs for the new facility include expanding and renovating the first floor lobby and atrium with operable glass wall systems to open directly onto the market square, allowing for increased flow of traffic between the two spaces for large exhibits or events of up to 500 people. The new atrium will promote new interactive technology features, including gaming systems, educational displays, and flexible exhibits. Among the permanent exhibits that will be installed will be an insect lab filled with butterflies and tropical plants, as well as a 50-foot tall, 10-foot wide aquarium featuring tropical fish and sharks. To improve the building's functionality, new corridors will be opened up to accommodate foot traffic between the atrium and the buildings tenants. New colors and finishes will be incorporated throughout. Spectrum Design has worked closely with each of the building's restaurant tenants to identify and accommodate their current and future needs during the expansion. For one tenant, plans include relocating to a new space with expanded square-footage for additional diners as well as adding outdoor dining space and new support space for freezers and coolers. For another tenant, maintaining street-front presence was important and so they will relocate to another space still visible to passers-by with an outdoor dining area, and a new rear service area. Projected to be LEED-certified, the building will undergo complete mechanical and electrical upgrades. New energy efficient heating and cooling systems will be installed, as well as new water-efficient and waterless fixtures to update the plumbing. Low-VOC materials will be used throughout the building as well. The building will also feature a "green roof". The roof will feature a planted garden which will sustain itself through captured rainwater, as well as a reflective section to cut down on cooling costs, while green wall systems will help shade the building.