TRANSFORMING REPAIR SHOP
REMOVING THE UNNECESSARY
HOLDING THE PERIMETER

Turn of the century 10,000 square feet leather shoe repair shop is converted into gallery space, artist studio and office in West Chelsea Art District on 25 Street. The original wood floor joists were damaged in fire. The masonry bearing walls of this 20 feet wide building are used for supporting the steel and concrete floors. The long narrow space end walls were open to the natural light on to the street and backyard. Due to the budgetary constraints the exterior masonry facade was painted and the existing fire escape is accommodated with new curtain wall in fill. The building’s heating system is being upgraded with solar heating combined with geothermal system due to its proximity to Hudson River and availability of ground water.