Warehouse and Auto Body Shop Conversion by Daniel Goldner Architects

Warehouse and Auto Body Shop Conversion by Daniel Goldner Architects
New York City has two local ironworkers unions: Local 40 for structural steel and Local 580 for ornamental steel, consisting of curtain walls, storefronts, stairs, and the like.

The latter is housed in an 18,000 s.f. conversion of a warehouse and auto body shop in Long Island City by Daniel Goldner Architects of New York.

Given the nature of the client, it was natural for the building to act as a display for the union's abilities and to likewise inspire the apprentices in the three-year training program.

A variety of metals and applications is evident on the sidewalk.

At pedestrian level, bead-blasted stainless steel panels are broken by windows and doors in an irregular pattern.

The canopy uses painted aluminum panels, while next to a generous window below the canopy is an etched brass section.

A stainless steel mesh is used above the first floor, veiling the brick wall of the existing building behind it, accentuated by gaps between the first and second floors.

An overlap between the stainless above and aluminum below shows the projections allowed by the New York City Building Code (10" above 10'), though more importantly it illustrates the layering of old atop new that comes with renovations.

Inside, it's apparent the lobby is the showcase of the union's skills; ten different ornamental