Project Description
The naturalistic and historical motifs used for the lobby of 81 Centre are drawn from the building’s recently restored terracotta facade and embody the spirit of the emerging artist community in New Rochelle. Originally constructed in 1929, the building was one of five restored as part of our New Rochelle Model Development Block project, which received a Preservation League of New York State Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation. The owner’s goal was to transform the building into a permanent art installation and enclave for artist-tenants.Sustainable materials and practices were used, including the reuse of pre-existing mirror, floor tile, and wood trim in order to minimize environmental dust and the cost of demolition and replacement. In addition, bamboo plywood paneling was used to accent and frame the organic shapes of new vinyl artwork. Grain patterns, colors, and the natural oil finish of the bamboo compliment the brightly colored organic shapes of the new vinyl artwork which has been layered on top of the mirror. Bamboo plywood was also employed to create a unique address panel on the building’s exterior and for individual plaques that identify artist studios on the second and third floors.