The groundbreaking for the Linda Pace Foundation's new addition to its contemporary art center, a project designed by Adjaye Associates, took place on May 31 in a private ceremony in San Antonio, Texas. According to the foundation, the building—to be known as the Ruby City—"will house the foundation’s growing collection of more than 800 paintings, sculptures, installations, and video works by contemporary artists from around the world."
The newly released renderings—which recall organization founder Linda Pace's initial sketch inspired by a dream—depicts a two-story modern crimson-hued building clad in deep red panels of precast concrete with sparkling aggregates. David Adjaye, Hon. FAIA, principle of Adjaye Associates, turned Pace's idea into a bold form with sharp-cut angels, as it were its namesake's gemstone. The asymmetrical inclined volumes of the rooftop are offset by cutaway panels at the base of the building. The openings overlook Chris Park—a one-acre public green space, built by Pace in honor of her deceased son—and a new sculpture garden. The building entrance is underneath the cantilevered structure. "A grand staircase takes visitors to a series of gallery spaces, which feature concrete floors with white walls and ceilings to allow the extensive collection to take center focus," says the foundation on their website.
Construction costs for this 14,000-square-foot project are estimated to be $16 million. The Ruby City is scheduled to be completed by late 2018 and open to the public the early 2019.
