Common House Chattanooga
Pfeffer Torode Architecture
Common House Chattanooga
Pfeffer Torode Architecture
Awards Category : : Large Project (over 25,000 sf)
Adaptive reuse of the former YMCA building in Chattanooga’s Southside neighborhood, re-envisioning it as a new urban social club and gathering space.
There are places in our life that define us, that have an unmistakable and permanent part in our stories; where the traces of our soul can be seen in the hallways, windows, and archways. For those who call Chattanooga home, the Industrial Y has played that defining role for many years.
Built in 1929, this Southside Chattanooga structure initially operated as a YMCA until the mid-1980s when it ceased operation and began to deteriorate. After remaining vacant for over 35 years, the Common House team discovered the Italian Renaissance revival-style building during their search for a third location. Recognizing its resonance with their vision, they saw it as a precursor to Common House's identity as a social club.
Starting in January 2020, the project team embarked on creating a space that honored the building's history by restoring its Italianate architecture to its original magnificence while modernizing it for contemporary living. From the beginning, the project team’s focus was on deliberate design, actively engaging with the building’s history and architectural characteristics, ultimately allowing these elements to guide the new design in both style and function. Significant time was spent walking the halls, studying the drawings, and getting a sense for the stories that once lived there. As the layers of history were discovered within these spaces, the project team began to instinctively weave that story into the Common House fabric in a way that was authentic to the nature of the building, and the vision of Common House.
Officially inaugurated in May 2021, Common House No. 3 proudly stands as a social club designed for connection, offering an inclusive environment for dining, work, and exploration across various noteworthy spaces: a coworking area, pool, lobby, concierge service, cocktail lounge, social hall, restaurant, event area, terrace, garden, fitness studio, and hotel accommodations.
Date of Completion: May 2021
Client: Walk2Town Holdings
General Contractor: T.U. Parks Construction Co.
Consultants:
Interiors: BOCA Architectural + Interior Design (Contact: Kate Taylor Boehm, kate@lazo.studio)
Civil Engineering: March Adams & Associates (Contact: Stephen Brady, (Stephen.brady@marchadams.com)
Landscape: Craig Design Group (Contact: www.craigdesigngroup.com)
Structural Engineering: Woods Engineering (Contact: Rebecca Brooks, (Rebecca@woodseng.com)
Mechanical & Plumbing Engineering: Olert Engineering (Contact: Robert Kennedy, (robertolerteng@comcast.net)
Electrical Engineering: Campbell & Associates (Brian Lynn, (Brianl@caengrs.com)
Restaurant Consultant: Fishman & Associates (Contact: Marisa Mangani, (Marisa@fishmaninc.com)
Acoustical Consultant: Miller, Beam & Paganelli (Contact: John Paganelli, (Johnpag@millerbp.com)
Technology Consultant: Bracey Designs (Contact: Dan Brace (Dan@braceydesigns.com)
Photography Credits:
1. Constructed in 1929, this Southside Chattanooga edifice originally served as a YMCA until the mid-1980’s when it ceased functioning and fell into disrepair. Vacant for over 35 years, the Italian Renaissance revival-style building came to the attention of the Common House team during their search for a third location. Recognizing its alignment with their vision, they saw that the former YMCA, in a way, foreshadowed what Common House represents today – a social club.
Photo: Common House Chattanooga website (left) + Ali Harper Photography (right)
2. Commencing in January 2020, the project team set out to create a space that reflected the history of the building, restoring the Italianate architecture to its former glory while bringing it up to speed for modern life. During the design process, every corner was considered – from the smallest millwork detail to the experience moving throughout the halls. Through this careful design process, the project team was able to continue the story of the building in the way that is beautiful, meaningful, and lasting for everyone who calls Common House home.
Rendering: Project Team
3. Completed in May 2021, Common House No. 3 is a social club designed for connection; serving as an inclusive place for people to dine, work, and discover through a multitude of significant spaces including a coworking floor, pool, lobby, concierge, cocktail lounge, social hall, restaurant, event space, terrace, garden, fitness studio and hotel rooms. Multiple entry points have been established to guarantee accessibility, encompassing both the primary entrance and passage through the courtyard. Here, ADA accessibility is facilitated through an elevator that was incorporated as a component of the renovation initiative.
Photo: Ali Harper Photography
4. The former YMCA reception desk now functions as the Common House concierge area, incorporating the original cubbies for member keys. An extra opening was added to echo the exceptional architectural features seen in other arches and doorways. The terracotta tile, original to the building, extends across the first floor.
Photo: Project Team (left) + Ali Harper Photography (right)
5. Preserving the distinct and initial attributes of the building took precedence throughout the design phase. The original architecture, woodwork, and tilework played a pivotal role in shaping the renovation's style and functionality. Rather than eliminating these unique elements, they were safeguarded and elevated to uphold the historical legacy and ensure lasting resilience.
Photo: Project Team (left) + Ali Harper Photography (right)
6. The lobby of Common House retains its original identity as the YMCA's social area. While some features in this space were improved, all architectural intricacies, such as the exposed timber beams, terracotta tile, and fireplace mantle/surround, remain authentic.
Photo: Project Team (top left) + Ali Harper Photography (bottom left + right)
7. Facing the concierge, you'll find a cocktail lounge. The decorative arches that frame the entrance, along with the doorway and windows, preserve their original form. The left-hand doorway leads to the Billiard Hall, while a small window-like opening on the bar's right-hand side was included to function as a service window connecting to the lobby area. A drop ceiling was introduced, leaving the area above the bar untouched to safeguard the stain glass skylight that dates to the building’s original construction.
Photo: Project Team (top left) + Ali Harper Photography (bottom left + right)
8. Adjacent to the cocktail lounge is the Billiard Hall. In alignment with a commitment to the building's history and architecture, original features like the brickwork, tile, and the array of crests above the doorway were retained. The billiards table itself is inspired by Brunswick design and was custom crafted for YMCA establishments in the 1920s.
Photo: Project Team (top left) + Ali Harper Photography (bottom left + right)
9. Comprising the second floor are inclusive spaces designed for people to come together over food, beverages, and experiences: The Tea Room and the Mediterranean-inspired Social Hall. The Social Hall is framed by an arched colonnade, which was cut into a previously existing terracotta brick wall. On the left side of these arches, a door grants access to outdoor stairs ascending to the rooftop terrace.
Photo: Ali Harper Photography
10. Common House's third level offers generous coworking areas complete with all the necessities for a productive day, including abundant seating, phone booths, conference rooms, and coffee on tap.
Photo: Ali Harper Photography
11. The top floor hosts a collection of modern hotel rooms, introducing a new dimension to Common House. Guests can select from six distinct rooms or opt for the deluxe suite, featuring a spacious living area, bathtub, and a king-sized bed.
Photo: Ali Harper Photography
12. The former YMCA pool was transformed into a ground-floor fitness studio, providing wellness classes, and featuring a comprehensive range of exercise machines. Additionally, the facility offers personal lockers, showers, and steam rooms equipped with complementary towels and toiletries for guests.
Photo: Ali Harper Photography
13. Originally a basketball gym, Ruby Hall now occupies the second floor and serves as an event venue, complete with a viewing mezzanine situated atop the third floor adjacent to the terrace. This area was revamped to accommodate diverse events, offering a versatile setting for a wide range of occasions. The color history was honored through keeping the framework of the stage yellow, and the ductwork was exposed to create an open and airy feel.
Photo: Project Team (left) + Ali Harper Photography (right)
14. Formerly a neglected space, the rooftop terrace is now an alfresco dining oasis complete with a stunning perspective of Chattanooga’s renowned Lookout Mountain. The restored original features, such as the intricate molding and arches, were accompanied by the introduction of extra banquette and table seating. This was done to expand the area and foster a sense of connection among guests.
Photo: Project Team (top left) + Ali Harper Photography (bottom left + right)
15. Through the corridor on the ground floor, beyond the fitness studio and locker rooms, lies the heated, lap-length outdoor pool. Fully equipped with chaise lounges, umbrellas, cabanas and branded towels, the Common House pool is the ultimate spot for guests to unwind and enjoy.
Photo: Ali Harper Photography