The Faculty Student Association of SCCC retained our services to design the renovation of a portion of the Community College's Campus to provide a new wifi cafe and convenience store facility. The project is located in the space that was formerly the original bar of the historic Van Curler Hotel, at the corner of State and Washington in Schenectady. Our mission was to create a space that respected the nature of the original building while providing modern conveniences for the student body, staff, and prospective students. These goals coincided with the challenges of providing space for two separate retailers and office spaces into the rigid floor plan of the facility. The resultant cafe, store, two offices, refreshed corridor, and exterior patio successfully breathed life into the formerly underutilized wing of Elston Hall (formerly the Van Curler Hotel).
This portion of the first floor of Elston Hall had been empty for decades. Working in this area of the building entailed abatement, structural stabilizing, and careful determinations regarding what wood paneling and fixtures would be salvaged. The "tin" ceiling, linoleum floor, and fireplace acknowledge the era of the original space. The palette, finishes, and lighting marry the old and new.