Location
Grand Rapids, MI
Original Construction
1911
Construction Cost
$1,600,000
Size
28,000 sqft
Completion Date
1999

What began in 1994 as an 83-year-old, then abandoned, structure in downtown, has turned into one of Grand Rapids’ jewels of urban revitalization. Previously an abandoned car dealership, the Albert Kahn building reflected radically modern architectural ideas at the time, like large clear-span spaces supported by riveted steel trusses, saw-tooth skylights, large plate glass windows, and terrazzo floors.

The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) felt this was an ideal space to support their role in the community as a catalyst for the arts, while contributing to urban revitalization and preserving both a significant historic structure. Architects Four, parent company to HopkinsBurns, worked closely with the board, staff and museum volunteers and artists in a public involvement and consensus building process to design artists’ studios, art galleries, an education center, performance areas, and office space.

On the interior, it was necessary to create varied spaces for the different programmatic functions while preserving the existing power of the building. A flexible floor plan was developed, and it takes into account the need for events to function both individually and simultaneously, allowingn for future development.

The openness of the interior was maintained by placing rooms, or boxes, within it. Thus, the offices, conference rooms, and bathrooms are their own separate structures. Intentional placement of these boxes created dynamic voids, which comprise the building’s form, exhibit, and circulation spaces. Vertical circulation is centrally located with stair and elevator.