Hughes Warehouse Adaptive Reuse - 2015 AIA Top Ten Green Project

Inspired by the history of the Hughes Plumbing Warehouse, this adaptive reuse project transforms an early 20th-century warehouse into an innovative but functional studio space. A newly inserted 1,500-SF courtyard unfolds beyond the existing brick façade, creating an unexpected public gathering spot that opens the building to the street and provides access to adjacent tenant spaces. Architect: Overland Partners
Location: 203 E. Jones Avenue, Suite 104, San Antonio  Texas  78215, United States

The existing loading dock openings are fitted with custom perforated steel gates—patterned off an abstraction of a Jackson Pollock painting—to provide cohesion with the neighboring arts and design district, and serve as a reminder of the building’s graffitied past. The renovation of the warehouse along the banks of the San Antonio River in the burgeoning River North district of downtown San Antonio has transformed not only a building but an organizational culture and neighborhood.

Jury comment: A very successful example of a creative, low-cost adaptive reuse project that maintains the integrity and the character of the building. Introduction of contemporary structural, electrical, and mechanical systems was done in such a way as to not detract from the historic elements of the building. The outside spaces were integrated well with surrounding areas as well as the building itself. This proves that making use of a high percentage of reused and repurposed materials can be done creatively and affordably.

Project data

Client: AREA Real Estate
Gross floor area: 26,000 square feet
Completion: December, 2012
Costs: US-Dollar 1,800,000