homeWelcome, sign in or click here to subscribe.login
     


 

 

Architecture & Engineering


print  email to a friend  reprints add to mydjc  

March 19, 2014

OKA revamps Los Altos retail space

Photo by Bruce Damonte [enlarge]

Downtown Los Altos is sleepy but pleasant with lots of technology firms nearby.

Passerelle Investment Co. buys retail properties in the area with an eye to stimulate the local commercial district, it said.

The company said it hopes to attract tenants who will, in turn, continue to support the local economy. It has hired different architectural firms to work on its projects, including Seattle-based Olson Kundig Architects, which designed a revamp of a retail space at 242 State St.

Cody Brock Construction was the contractor, Murphy Burr Curry, Inc. provided structural engineering and KB Architectural Services provided custom operable window engineering and fabrication.

The 1950s building had housed an Italian restaurant. Olson Kundig said its design changed the 2,500-square-foot building from an enclosed structure to one that invites the community in.

The front facade was replaced with a double-height, floor-to-ceiling window wall that can be raised or lowered. The window wall is operated by engaging a pedal — to unlock the safety mechanism — then turning a handwheel which activates gears and pulleys that open the 16-foot by 10-foot, 2,000-pound counterweighted window wall. When the window wall is closed, visitors enter through a 10-foot-tall pivot door.

Other changes included raising the roof by half a story to create a better proportioned interior volume, and installing skylights to bring in more natural light.

The building was a temporary off-site location for SF MoMA's Project Los Altos, which has closed.

As part of the project, Spencer Finch created an installation that mimics a cinematic screen. The abstract grid of painted colors is illuminated by natural light entering through the large storefront window that opens onto the street.

The space also has a black box theater and video art.

The retail space is for lease. The installations are no longer open to the public and will be removed before a tenant moves in.




Email or user name:
Password:
 
Forgot password? Click here.