July 6, 1993

SEATTLE ARTIST REVS UP RENO REDEVELOPMENT

BY CLAIR ENLOW

Journal A/E editor

Seattle artist Vicki Scuri has made a unique contribution to the architecture of Reno, Nevada.

As a member for the design team of the Parking Gallery, which includes six flights of parking and 20,000 square feet of retail space, she has helped to create a landmark that will set the pace for Reno's downtown redevelopment program.

Her ``butterfly'' signs for the building are 60-foot-high sculptural metal forms inspired by historic hood ornaments. Lit from behind, the multi-layered, multi-colored metal forms display a moire effect when viewed in passing. They are designed to be viewed from inside and outside the building.

In addition to the sculptures, Scuri designed the butterfly and wing patterns for the concrete building and tire tread paving outside the building.

According to Scuri, the attention given to sculptural details in the building reflects Reno's desire to be sympathetic to the flamboyant casino signage that dominates the town -- but not to compete with it.

At one corner of the garage is the Car Tower, a special display structure that houses vintage automobiles from the City Automobile Collection. The garage will eventually tie in with the planned National Automobile Museum.

The $11.5 million structure was paid for by the Reno Redevelopment Agency, which is dedicated to developing the city's downtown, an area primarily used by tourists attracted by the casinos.

Scuri, whose local credits include contributions to the design of the downtown transit tunnel and a parking garage on Boren, worked with architect Ian McFarlane of Arcform, Reno, to design the Parking Gallery.