225 Polk, a former Nashville Public Library building, has undergone an adaptive reuse project to become the new HQ for Hastings Architecture. The building also houses the United Talent Agency and space for McAlpine, a residential architecture and interior design firm. Hastings occupies 24,000 sf of the building with space for the team of more than 85 architects, interior designers, and planners.
The building’s facade is composed of Georgia Cherokee marble panels and 16’ tall glass. All of the marble was cleaned, repaired, and/or replaced with new, perfectly matched marble from the original marble quarry. The original terrazzo floor in the lobby was refurbished, as was the terrazzo-clad monumental stair connecting the two main floors. The architectural interventions of the adaptive reuse were limited to a black and white color palette with walnut accents inspired by the original building’s interiors.
The Athenaeum, a 1,500-sf community room is accessible to the public and intended for use by community organizations and non-profit groups located on the first floor off the main lobby. The Athenaeum seats 100 and has standing room for up to 300 people.
See Also: The world’s largest cricket stadium opens
“This structure was built in 1965 to serve the people of Nashville as a public library,” said William Hastings, Partner at Hastings, in a release. “It was important that our design ensured that part of this historic building would remain accessible to the public and provide the community with a gathering place.”
Related Stories
Adaptive Reuse | Jun 2, 2021
An old Ford factory in Pittsburgh is being adapted to become a biomedical research facility
This is the latest step in the city’s post-industrial resurgence.
Adaptive Reuse | Apr 15, 2021
The Weekly Show, Apr 15, 2021: The ins and outs of adaptive reuse, and sensors for real-time construction monitoring
This week on The Weekly show, BD+C editors speak with AEC industry leaders from PBDW Architects and Wohlsen Construction about what makes adaptive reuse projects successful, and sensors for real-time monitoring of concrete construction.
Adaptive Reuse | Feb 24, 2021
Adaptive reuse project brings co-living space to Los Angeles’s Hancock Park
Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects is designing the project.
Adaptive Reuse | Feb 14, 2021
Three adaptive reuse projects will add housing in Wisconsin
Historic tax credits helped pave the way, but preservation required creative solutions.
Multifamily Housing | Jan 20, 2021
Abandoned Miami hospital gets third life as waterfront condo development
The 1920s King Cole Hotel becomes the Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami in the largest residential adaptive reuse project in South Florida.
Adaptive Reuse | Dec 17, 2020
A train engine repair building is turned into an innovation center that’s part of a massive riverfront redevelopment in Pittsburgh
The adaptive reuse of the Roundhouse is the latest step forward for Hazelwood Green.
Adaptive Reuse | Oct 26, 2020
Mall property redevelopments could result in dramatic property value drops
Retail conversions to fulfillment centers, apartments, schools, or medical offices could cut values 60% to 90%.
Adaptive Reuse | Oct 22, 2020
A Los Angeles design firm reimagines urban workplaces, multifamily buildings, and warehouses
Omgivning conjures varieties of adaptive-reuse concepts.
Adaptive Reuse | Jul 29, 2020
Two Indianapolis schools find new digs in a long-dormant factory
Adaptive reuse preserved many of the building’s original features.
Coronavirus | May 18, 2020
Will empty hotels provide an answer for affordable housing shortage?
A Los Angeles-based startup sees the Midwest as most fertile for adaptive reuse.