The Brenton

ASK Studio

Recognitions: AIA Iowa 2020 Design Award, Iowa Architect Magazine Spring 2022

Project Description

The historic renovation of mid-century modern structure is a relatively new endeavor. This challenge can be particularly arduous given the reality that this expression is often specific to the building program, even in the age of the universal. The building was originally designed as a bank. It is New Formalism, a style which emerged in the 1960s as a rejection to the rigid form of Modernism. The style represents one of many 20th century efforts to wed the building forms of the past with new forms enabled by new material technologies. Here the style was representative of banking and business much like Neo Classism was the language of commerce for centuries before. The introduction of a residential program into a classically gridded temple of commerce had elements that inserted easily, but the introduction of foreign systems like increasing the number of plumbing fixtures ten-fold required careful consideration, especially above and through the Teller Lobby. The lobby is the space critical to preserving the understanding the building’s hierarchy and structure. The grid of the building was also critically respected on floors two and three. The original office bays easily adapted to one-bedroom units with small plan adjustments for services and the rhythm of the corridor doors and sidelights appear as they have for the previous five decades. The living spaces created are unique due to the fenestration composition of formerly commercial spaces. First floor units have floor to ceiling storefront while the upper floor units have a repeating rhythm of narrow openings which allow for an equally unique living environment. The color palate of recently introduced wall elements is subdued to allow the original elements of structure, terrazzo, aluminum framing and wood doors remain the material focus in the minimalist composition. The building now contains 38 residences. It remains New Formalism.