Re-connection: A multi-use facility in El Paso, Texas

Abstract

Theory: Adaptive reuse is taking an old structure which was originally designed for one use, and retrofitting it, to house a new different use than the original one. Using adaptive reuse as a theoretical basis for the initial design proposition and tectonics as the tool from which the design will be carried through. Through the use of these "tools," it is my intention to transform an old area of the Central Business District into a new vibrant center for living, eating and shopping. Facility: I am proposing several facilities within two existing warehouse structures to create a mixed use facility. This mixed use facility will contain several facilities making it a mixed-use project. The facilities that are being propoSed consist of loft apartments, restaurant/coffee houses and small retail. Site: The area in which these two warehouses reside in is in the down-town district of EI Paso. Although the area warehouses are mostly abandoned, one of the two warehouses that I will implement in my design is currently being used as a storage area and offices for the EI Paso Electric Company. Both warehouses are adjacent to each other. and the block that they reside in is adjacent to major arteries of traffíc that help in creating access roads on to the site. History: The EI Paso area is ftill of rich history dating to the early I800s. The two warehouses I have chosen to complete my thesis with are built in the late 1890s. Unfortunately, all existing records for either warehouse have been discarded. Existing working drawings have been thrown-away during a clean-up effort in City Hall. Since the buildings have no historical value, the historical society does not house any type of dociimentation on these warehouses. Project Scope: This project will become part of the goal of the existing area which is of growlh and prosperity. New changes have been proposed in the area through the intent of bringing new businesses to this comer of the EI Paso Business District. Through this project a new connection will be formed between young business professionals that offer future economic growth, to a more conservative area that lacks the means to conform to the present and the future state of technology. The insertion of this multiuse facility in this area will create a new connection to the pedestrian shopping area of the CBD, and will promote regeneration.

Description

Keywords

Architecture, Multipurpose buildings -- Design, El Paso (Tex.)

Citation