MidCity Apartments
project type | adaptive reuse multi-family, business
sf | 12,500
location | Entergy Building 1509 Government St. Baton Rouge, LA 70802
keywords | multi-family, residential, community, art deco
software used | Revit, Enscape, InDesign, Photoshop
project description | Electric Depot breathes new life into blighted Entergy buildings, providing affordable housing options ranging from 1 to 3 bedrooms. With a focus on sustainability, the project integrates green building practices and qualifies for historic preservation tax credits. Residents benefit from communal amenities such as a garden and gathering spaces, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere. Strategically located along Government Street in Baton Rouge's Mid-City area, Electric Depot contributes to neighborhood revitalization efforts while addressing the critical need for quality housing for low- and moderate-income families.
Concept Statement
With an eclectic nature and characteristic charm, MidCity Apartments celebrates a modern take on Art Deco, revitalizing the historic Electric Depot site on Government Street in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As a multi-family housing project, MidCity Apartments serves the community of low- and moderate-income families. A streamlined look of bold accents of brushed bronze and black stainless steel, geometric patterns, and neutral paints is wedded with the original architecture to enliven the historic site. The decorative style is present throughout the mix of studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units as well as shared spaces like the community space and outdoor terrace. The apartment complex is representative of Louisiana’s orientation toward the future and eclectic community.
Site
Situated at the corner of S 15th St and Government St in Baton Rouge, LA, the site boasts excellent accessibility via bus, bike, car, and pedestrian routes, positioning it as an ideal hub within the community. Notably, the existing building on-site showcases distinctive masonry features, as depicted in the accompanying images. Emphasizing the outdoor terrace and community space, the design will place significant emphasis on these areas, enriching the overall experience for residents and visitors alike.
Floor Plans
My planning process commenced with a straightforward bubble diagram, strategically situating shared spaces such as the community area and laundry facilities in optimal positions within the complex for resident convenience. Subsequently, I crafted four iterations of blocking plans, encompassing a variety of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments. After careful consideration, I selected the fourth iteration for further refinement. Notably, the community gathering space is positioned on the second floor B, while the laundry facilities are conveniently located near the elevator on the second floor A.
Materials Palette
In curating the materials palette, I centered on a monochromatic color scheme incorporating teals, pale greens, creams, and subtle warm tones of brown. In homage to the Art Deco era, geometric patterns take center stage, with hexagonal motifs lending dynamism to the bathrooms and bow-shaped three-dimensional tiles adorning the kitchens. Distinct zones are delineated by materials, with luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) defining the primary apartment spaces, while black and white checkered patterns distinguish the community gathering area and outdoor terrace. Moreover, accents of bronze and brass punctuate interior elements, evoking the timeless allure of Art Deco design.
Brand Development
The branding seamlessly blends community, modernism, and historical elements with a refined color palette featuring greens, blacks, whites, and accents of bronze. The subtle bronze lines framing the M and A evoke a sense of sophistication. Drawing inspiration from architectural arches, this motif is elegantly incorporated into the logo design, adding a timeless touch.
Poster
