Wells Fargo To Open New History Museum In Center City
Wagner Murray Architects converting bank lobby into new cultural addition
Wells Fargo Museum Exterior
Wagner Murray Architects has been retained by Wells Fargo to design and develop the new Wells Fargo History Museum in downtown Charlotte. The 7,000 SF space was last used as a banking lobby. Wells Fargo chose this location to provide an addition to the already vibrant cultural center (Levine Cultural Campus) on S. Tryon Street. Wagner Murray is providing design guidance to modify the exterior, making it more street-friendly, visible and well integrated with the cultural campus. The interior layout will feature interactive exhibits, as well as a theater and retail component. The center is scheduled to open in September 2010. This facility is seeking a LEED Silver certification.
Wells Fargo Museum Interior
Wells Fargo Museum Interior
Wells Fargo Museum Interior
Wells Fargo Museum Layout
American Roadside Debuts In Charlotte
Venerable Long Island Hamburger Joint Opening in October
American Roadside Burgers, a Smithtown, New York operation, has been expanded by Rich LaVecchia opening its first series of stores in Charlotte and elsewhere in the near future. American Roadside brings back the quintessential American burger experience. The concept incorporates fresh ground meat and natural ingredients in an atmosphere reminiscent of the classic American diners and roadside joints of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. The décor intimates our nostalgic connection to driving and the American roadside dining experience.
The menu and the design say it all. The alluring aroma of hamburgers frying on the grill, the sweet-salty taste of fries, the cool lure of a frosty shake, all of this with impeccable service at a great price. Wagner Murray Architects was pegged to come up with a marketable and memorable décor and graphic design package. Natural aged American barn wood, patina metal panels and a host of interesting, informative and whimsical graphics all come together making this an unforgettable and delicious experience.
Map of Burger America: Did you know the hamburger in America has a long and notable history. This map says it all.
American Roadside Burgers Map
This photo collage illustrates all of the quirky, colorful and out-right funky history of the American roadside burger joints.
American Roadside Burgers Photos
American Roadside Burgers Interior
American Roadside Burgers Interior
American Roadside Burgers Exterior
When was the last time you saw an old fashioned dial face clock? Each of the ARB stores will have a post mounted exterior illuminated clock reminding you it is time to stop, have a burger, fries and a thick cool shake.
American Roadside Burgers Clock
We hope your meal was lots of fun!
American Roadside Burgers Sign
1300 Baxter Street Becomes Midtown Centre
Minimal Transformation – Maximum Improvement
1300 Baxter Street, formerly Charlotte Town Center, is being transformed. A mid-century concrete icon, its simple, unadorned façade follows the principles of the contemporary 1960’s aesthetic. With minimal alterations, verticality of the building’s presence is being readdressed, incorporating an entry façade with a projected framework feature along with the addition of roof line louvers. The building takes a dramatic visual turn with the least amount of embellishment.
Existing Building
Restrained – smart and contemporary.
1300 Baxter Exterior Render
The lobby is polished and refined with fine finishes complimenting the building’s aesthetic.
A new skyline view conference room is being incorporated into the second level of the building.
Restrained – smart and contemporary.
Restaurant Move Prompts Creative Re-use
Giant fish sculpture to become signage and public art
LaVecchia’s Steak and Seafood, an uptown restaurant, is relocating to the Hearst Tower. Known both for its fine food and fine art, it was hailed as an aquatic wonderland when it first opened in 1998 in the Bank of America Seventh Street parking deck. The new location will not support the extensive gallery of sculptures so, one of the largest sculptures, a centerpiece in the restaurant, will become LaVecchia’s new exterior sign. This nine foot long fish will be tethered to a large curved steel tube, simulating a trophy fish catch on a bent fishing rod. The sculpture will serve a dual purpose: cables from the street structure will also support a canvas awning leading to the restaurant entrance. The double-sided neon sign will be visible up and down 5th Street.
LaVecchias Signage Concept
Kings Mountain’s Mayor Announces Opening of New Old Stone Steakhouse
Kings Mountain Mayor Rick Murphrey announced today the opening of the new 3,900 square foot Old Stone Steakhouse in downtown Kings Mountain. This is the second restaurant for Nick LaVecchia whose popular restaurant in Belmont, North Carolina offers regional cuisine with Nick’s gastronomic flair.
In addition to designing the restaurant with Wagner Murray Architects, themed with natural stone, reclaimed brick and timber, WMA principal, David Wagner, will be commissioned by the City of Kings Mountain to paint a Revolutionary War mural depicting the Battle of Kings Mountain. Kings Mountain has actively nurtured its historical ties to this pivotal revolutionary battle which turned the tide for the Patriots and ultimately led to the defeat of Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia in 1781. The mural will be approximately 30’ long and grace the Old Stone bar, aptly titled, “The Battleground Bar.” The restaurant is expected to open late summer 2010.
Old Stone Steak House - Kings Mountain - Concept
Old Stone Steak House - Kings Mountain - Floor Plan Concept
Old Stone Steak House - Kings Mountain - Bar Concept
WMA Designing Student/Pedestrian Connector for UNCG
Wagner Murray Architects Designing New Student/Pedestrian Connector for the University of North Carolina at Greensboro
New campus promenade to provide strong visual connection linking the UNCG campus with the Glenwood residential community
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro has engaged Wagner Murray Architects to develop a new university gateway connector to link the main campus with the W. Lee Street corridor, which defines the south perimeter of the campus. The connector includes a 140’ pedestrian tunnel under the existing Norfolk Southern right-of-way.
The design encompasses and develops a number of the campus master planning guidelines for pedestrian and student walkways and open space connections for the campus. A strong, formal expression of direction highlights the design, which includes internally illuminated pylons defining the southern and northern entries. These pylons will be powered by site installed photovoltaics expressed as an integral part of the visual design of the gateway connector. Additionally, the architects are suggesting the integration of public art pieces at each entrance to the connector. These proposals include mosaic installations, murals and a dramatic clock tower using digital LED technology.
The project is intended to reinforce the desire of the campus to create a Forest Street promenade to the Elliott Student Center, as well as formal connection to the Glenwood neighborhood on the south edge of the campus. Additionally, an urban open space is contemplated for future development linking this gateway entrance to the campus expansion along the W. Lee Street corridor.
Plan showing tunnel and walkways.
Gateway Connector at West Lee Steet entrance.
Nightview Gateway Connector at West Lee Steet entrance.
Gateway Connector at Forest Street entrance.
Nightview Gateway Connector at Forest Street entrance.
Signature Park at Lee Street Entrance.
