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Bridge Street Offices
Corning, New York
Arbor Housing & Development
A not-for-profit affordable housing developer decided to move its headquarters to Corning, a small community in the Southern Tier of New York State, to be more centrally-located within its service area. Arbor Housing & Development’s goal was to purchase and redevelop an existing building on a modest budget. It was important that the project design was in keeping with the local context.
Located in Corning’s historic Gaffer District, Bridge Street was once a vibrant major artery that had seen decline due to economic downturn and disinvestment. A vacant former automobile dealership was chosen for this adaptive re-use project due to its walkable downtown location and redevelopment potential.
The 12,000 square foot space was rehabilitated for Arbor’s offices, with the remaining 5,000 square feet allocated for a future service-oriented tenant. The existing building shell was restored, exposing brick walls, wood roof deck, and steel structure, to showcase the original volume and materials.
A simple, clean and comfortable aesthetic is provided in the light-filled, open plan space. Straight-forward circulation is accommodated by a central spine. The original translucent clerestory windows were continued along the south façade allowing diffuse, natural light to permeate the space.
The result is the repopulation of a once empty storefront building, which now contributes to the revitalization of the neighborhood, and provides an inviting, healthy atmosphere for clients and staff.