PACIFIC AVE1408
Establishing an anchor for Atlantic City’s art community
Revitalizing Atlantic City by empowering the arts community through the adaptive reuse of an abandoned historic building into a creative space for local artists. From its origins as a Victorian health resort, its notorious reputation during the Prohibition Era, and the rise and fall of the casino industry, Atlantic City’s complex history has cast a long shadow over its resilient, vibrant, and ever-growing arts community. Today, that same community continues to grow and thrive, reinforcing its place as a pillar of the city’s past, present, and future success. However, Atlantic City’s arts community lacks a dedicated space where artists can live, create, and showcase their work. Continued investment in Atlantic City’s arts community reinforces an optimistic vision for the future by advocating for the creation of a supportive space for the city’s most passionate residents—its artists. Establishing a permanent anchor for these artists will not only support the community’s continued growth but also serve as a powerful catalyst for broader cultural and economic transformation within the city . 1408 PACIFIC AVENUE SITE ANALYSIS Atlantic City, New Jersey VE A C FI
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COFFEE SHOP & RESIDENT SERVICES
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Future Development Roads
PACIF IC AVE
Site Proposed Park
AREA:
54,972 SF
YEAR:
SURVEY RESULTS
1927
* Survey conducted by Leah Bancheri (2025) with 33 respondents
48.5%
61.5%
29.2%
48.5% of respondents believe there is a growing arts scene in Atlantic City
61.5% of respondents would live in an affordable housing and creative space for artists in Atlantic City
There is an equal need for studio spaces ranging 100-200 square feet and over 300 square feet.
EXISTING CONDITION-- Party Wall
Constructed in 1927 and designed by local architect Frank Berry, the building showcases the Italian Renaissance Revival style. Originally serving as the Knights of Columbus Hotel and lodge, the building once featured a restaurant, theater, hotel rooms, gym, and coffee shop. Notably, the interior architecture includes decorative tiles crafted by the renowned Mercer Tile Company. Presently, the building stands abandoned and serves as a reminder of Atlantic City’s past architectural legacy.
SEATING AREA
FLOOR PLANS
12
7
1
16
21
17
2
24 22 18
8 3
13 23 9 20 4
19
OPEN TO BELOW
SECOND FLOOR GALLERY
14
SPACES TO CREATE
5
11
6
15
PAINT STUDIO 10
1
Room Legend 1 Coffee Shop 2 Resident Services 3 Seating 4 Gallery Entrance 5 First Floor Gallery 6 Sculpture Suite
OPEN TO BELOW
2
3 4
5
7
Flex Lecture Space
12 Dance Studio
16 Artist Lounge
21 Two-Bedroom Unit
8
Catering Kitchen
13 Yoga Studio
17 Large Studio
22 One-Bedroom Unit
9
Second Floor Gallery
14 Music Suite
18 Medium Studio
23 Studio
19 Maker Booths
24 Laundry
10 Clay Work Space 11
Wood Shop
15 Paint Studio
Support and Circulation
Support and Circulation
Support and Circulation
LARGE PRIVATE STUDIO
20 Locker Rooms
Support and Circulation
SCULPTURE SUITE
ARTIST LOUNGE
TENNESSEE AVE ELEVATION
LEVEL 5 LEVEL 4
LEVEL 3
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 1 GALLERY ENTRY
COFFEE SHOP ENTRY
RESIDENTIAL UNITS
6
4
3
2
SECOND FLOOR GALLERY
5
A GRAND ENTRY FOR A GRAND SPACE
SITE
LEVEL 1
MATERIALS
PAINT
1
5
HISTORY AS INSPIRATION
The Tennessee Avenue elevation of 1408 Pacific Avenue was previously a windowless party wall. To enhance pedestrian connectivity and increase natural light, a glass extension and two large windows were added. This transformation introduced a new central entrance, providing direct, unobstructed access to the dramatic two-level gallery.
LEVEL 2
5
Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Atlantic City, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Sanborn Map Company, 1921.
FURNITURE
A two-story wall-covering of the 1921 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of the Atlantic City coastline serves as the focal point behind the reception counter in the main gallery. Just six years older than the building, the map gives a glimpse into a lost Atlantic City which was a bustling vacation destination and one of the most infamous cities in America during the Prohibition era.
6
TWO BEDROOM 1
Entry
2 Dinning Area 3
Living Room
4 Kitchen 5 Bathroom 6 Bedroom
2 1
2
9
1
10
3
4
12
11
4 A
B
W/D W/D W/D W/D W/D
3
D
C
5 5
6
13
ONE BEDROOM 7
E
F
G
H
1
Entry / Study Area
2 Living Room
1 Decorative Ceiling Tile
5 Original Mercer Tiles
9 SW Roman Column
A Andreu World, Nub
E Andreu World, Element
3
2 Calacutta Marble
6 Original Mosaic Tiles
10 SW Burgundy
B Andreu World, Neuz
F Andreu World, Nazar
4 Bathroom
3 Terracotta
7 Walnut Veneer
11 SW Inverness
C Scandanavian Spaces, Plybord
G Andreu World, Carola
5 Bedroom
4 Mosaic Tiles
8 Basket Weave Floor
12 SW Dignity Blue
D Martin Brattrud, Los Ondas
H Davis, Prat
LEAH ELIZABETH BANCHERI
Kitchen
DN
SPRING 2025 ID-699-A THESIS DESIGN