Professional
the merc
dayton, oh | spring 2008 The project is an old, early 20th century, electrical steam plant that still contains a good measure of its original mechanical and generating equipment. Because the building is composed of additions over a span of fifty years there are a couple of floor levels a few feet from each other, and other oddities inherent to such a building which provides opportunity for creative input. JEFF WRAY ARCHITECTS, INC
My part in the project of redeveloping this building is to draw out schematic plans for different concepts of what the building could be. Though I drew the ideas of the project manager, they also gave me the ability to liberally apply my own ideas to the Merc. It is located on the edge of an urban area that is postindustrial with a mixed-use community of small retail shops and condos. The idea for this edifice is to designate the large electrical generating areas for use as banquet halls that a catering company could use or rent out for receptions. A new, glass silo shaped entrance tower that houses the elevator gave a modern appointment to the industrial building’s demanding brick presence. Through this circulation device the various floor levels of the different additions are mediated. Also part of the project, attached warehouse buildings with great ceiling heights along the same street are used for condos arranged as townhouses.
Turbine Room
original section drawing of mechanical room and turbine room 7