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Oklahoma tour features homes and buildings [The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City](Daily Oklahoman (Oklahoma City) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Apr. 11--The American Institute of Architects Central Oklahoma Chapter's eighth annual Architecture Tour will be from noon to 5 p.m. April 18. The self-guided tour includes homes and commercial buildings. Stops on the tour include (descriptions provided by the chapter): Hook Home --3101 Harvey Parkway, designed by Randy Floyd of Randy Floyd Architects, owned by Jann and Terry Hook. "This residence is an example of unifying modern tastes with a design that met Oklahoma City's codes for compatible new construction in a historic neighborhood, while addressing a concern for sustainability." Robertson House --609 NW 42, architect Kenneth Fitzsimmons of TASK design, owned by Nancy Robertson. "The reinvestment in the historic house in an inner-city neighborhood shows the multiple dividends of incorporating new need to an existing house already linked to existing public infrastructure. The client (a writer, local art patron, and history enthusiast) inspired the architect to work with local artists who transformed the structural elements into a narrative of the house's past and future where the original house and the addition intersect." RR Residence --3940 E Wilshire Blvd., under construction, architect Jay Yowell of jyarchitecture, owned by Worth Ross and Jim Roth. "The sustainable design of this residence ... is based on three noteworthy features: 1) simple, modern design, 2) energy-efficient design with materials and spatial layout, and 3) use of ICF (insulated concrete forms) block. The investment of research and resourcefulness between the client and the architect created a sustainable residence that will provide many paybacks over the years." Velvet Monkey --1711 Blackwelder, salon and residence, architects Kenneth Fitzsimmons of TASK design and Brian Fitzsimmons and Larry Pickering of Fitzsimmons Architecture, owned by Estrella Evans. "This location was originally constructed in the 1920s as the New State Ice Co., which has been the white elephant of the Plaza District for the last three decades. Many people have sentimental attachment to such a landmark building; however, few can envision new uses for them. The owner's vision and dedication to converting this large warehouse into a business and residence makes for an impressive reinvestment and eastern gateway into the Plaza District." Studio Mid-Del Inc. Arts Center --1730 Center Drive, Midwest City, designed by Michael McCoy Architects, owned by Studio Mid-Del Inc. "The unique design of the nonprofit center, with curves on the west wall of the center hallway and angles on the east reflecting the creative and analytical sides of the brain, has generated countless comments of awe and appreciation from the hundreds of people who have visited this facility ... This project ... was selected as an Official Centennial Project and has become a place where groups can come to experience the arts in an informal setting while appreciating the importance of good design." Central Avenue Villas --444 N Central Ave., designed by Anthony McDermid and Zack Woods of TAParchitecture, owned by Deep Deuce LLC. "This new 30-unit residential project is located in the historic Deep Deuce district and is at the forefront of the urban rebirth of Oklahoma City. It is not only inspired by its context and its historical neighborhood, but also by the exploration of the idea of regional architecture and what uniquely defines Oklahoma Architecture." The Sieber --1305 N Hudson, designed by Allen Brown Architects, owned by Sieber Holdings LLC. "A wonderful historic rehabilitation project ... the first significant new housing project in the MidTown district of Oklahoma City, which is currently experiencing a major renaissance. The project is comprised of two buildings with a variety of rental units -- simple one- and two-bedroom apartments in the historic hotel building and two-story townhouses and commercial frontage 'live-work' units in the historic grocery building." Lofts at Maywood Park --1 NE 2, designed by Larry Herzel, Kevin Bundy and Andrew Stevens of HSE Architects, owned by Triangle Development. "Within walking distance of downtown Oklahoma City, the Bricktown entertainment district, and the revitalized historic Deep Deuce area, the Lofts at Maywood Park offer a uniquely urban opportunity to live, work and play. Through the use of exterior walkways, sidewalks and nearby public green spaces, this project promotes a pedestrian-friendly environment. The intent was to attract young professionals to this revitalized urban oasis and encourage their involvement in this neighborhood and city." |