What We’re Looking Forward to in 2019
It’s a new year and a busy one over here at Katz Architecture. After capping off a successful 2018, which included adding 14 buildings to our roster of properties we provide building architect and building management services to and completing five residential renovations in New York City, we’re poised for an even bigger 2019.
In particular, there a number of exciting projects we’ll be making progress on this year. Here’s the lowdown on a few.
In the works since 2013, our renovation and restoration of the historic El Teatro 600 seat theater located inside of El Museo del Barrio will be completed this year. El Teatro was originally built in 1922 and is a landmark quality interior noteworthy for its proscenium arch stage, orchestra pit, art-deco details and the remarkable series of 30-foot tall, hand painted murals of children’s literature scenes by noted illustrator, Willy Pogany. Our work has included restoring the historic murals, paint finishes and stained glass and modernizing the theater space with new lighting, sound system, stage and orchestra pit elevator.
We are also excited to continue our work in the historic village of Tuxedo Park this year. In the spring, we are scheduled to break ground on a lakefront home featuring a local rusticated stone base, stained cedar walls, copper detailing, two chimneys and a wraparound deck. With such an abundance of architectural history in the neighborhood (which you can read more about here) we are being careful to ensure our design choices only enhance the beauty of what surrounds our new addition.
Another project we are excited to continue work on is the construction of a sustainably designed row house in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Construction has already begun in collaboration with Oficina Design. The front façade of the building, which features historic design elements such as an ornamental cornice and traditional window trims, conceals an interior that will not only be modern, but ultra-sustainable. The project will include rooftop solar panels, reusable waste water systems, and exterior wall insulation made out of recycled blue jeans. The completed building will become the New York City home for curators of performance art, as well as a hub for visiting artists from around the world.
In 2019, we will also begin work on a brand new project we will see through from the ground up. We were chosen to design a new building in the center of SoHo for Cubico, a creative shared space. The 15,000 square foot building will be located in the Soho Cast Iron Historic District at the corner of Grand and Wooster Streets. The project, which will be done in association with RKTB Architects, will contain retail space at the ground floor with flexible office space above. We are hoping to begin construction before the year is over.
Finally, in addition to our longstanding foot print in New York, Katz will be expanding toward the sun this year! So far, we have already signed on for interesting commercial and residential projects in both Miami and Los Angeles. We look forward to bringing our expertise outside of the city limits of New York and hopefully laying the groundwork for future projects around the country.
As the year unfolds, we can’t wait to update you all about our progress on each of these exciting projects. In the meantime, stay tuned!
