The Dalrymple | Sallis Architecture team was pleased to accept another NAIOP award for Best Adaptive Reuse Development of the year. This is for their work restoring the historic Isis Theater.
Adaptive Reuse Development Project Pensacola
This large-scale interior renovation project occurs on the second floor of the office building above the Pensacola News Journal’s current location at 2 N Palafox in historic downtown Pensacola. This mostly abandoned space has been converted into a new Class-A office space for a fast-growing startup company. The renovation required major demolition of the floor and removal of the ceiling exposing the historical ceiling, rosettes and frieze at the ceiling perimeter. The building was built in 1913 and used as a theater up until WWII. In the early 1950’s the theater balcony was removed, and a new steel framed concrete floor was created to establish a bank. The relative second level was soon abandoned, and the historic theater space has been hidden for a generation – until this beautiful transformation.
With an existing condition challenge of uniting one business amongst a three-level space, the design intent was to maintain the historical integrity while introducing a contemporary work place matching the progressive company’s model. The South wall presents exposed brick that was cleaned and exposed. The acoustical ceiling tile was removed, and the original decorative, plaster ceiling was painted and exposed, showcasing faces along the perimeter. Three new matching window assemblies were provided in the Southern exterior wall allowing natural light to enter the open office space.
Floor Plans
The most pressing challenge regarding the floor plan design was creating an easy flow, open office with 3 separate existing levels. The scope of work required a main entry lobby, a spacious tenant lobby, new 3 stop elevator, three conference room spaces, eight private offices, open office space, breakroom, coffee room and storage room.