For this design competition, the prompt was to augment an existing historic building with a multifamily development with a focus on mass timber framing. I chose to get creative and design above The Victory a historic black performance venue.
The design goal of this project is to maximize the potential of the existing bar as a platform for local musicians, while making full use of the land by bringing in residential development without gentrifying the neighborhood or taking anything away from the public function of the bar. The main concept is the creation of an “Outdoor Room” between the Eastern and Western portions of the building where the community will congregate and observe the performers at the Victory Grill. In order to best serve the musicians, the project will include an indoor/outdoor facing stage and provide them with specialized one-bedroom units, each with additional storage and a practice room. This would allow the performers to save time and money on commuting to the site.
