81 Maple
Modern Contrast for Community Appeal
Our goal was to design a mixed-use building connecting the structure to its urban context. Simple facade articulation and refined lighting create a welcoming space that supports commercial growth. Dark-framed, floor-to-ceiling windows establish a contemporary design and maximize natural light. The building plan is tilted away from the street to support a more active downtown village of Florence with potential for outdoor seating and bike racks. The design balances retail and residential uses, prioritizing privacy and comfort on the quieter back side while encouraging public interaction at the front.
Maximizing Opportunity
The project was developed for a local business owner committed to investing in, and shaping the future of this local community. Working within finite resources, the design prioritizes efficiency through a wood-framed construction system and omits an elevator to reduce both the first costs of construction and long term operating costs. A strict residential unit type was requested by the owner to ensure market viability. The site presented significant constraints, including a tight buildable area, complex parking requirements, and limited open space, resulting in a design that maximizes every inch of buildable space. Within a village commercial zoning district we had form-based zoning guidelines from the city informing both our programming and facade composition, steering the integration of commercial and residential uses and influencing the building facade articulation.
