Project specifications:
Location: Newark, NJ
Project Type: Educational - Renovation
Architect: CTS Group
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project summary:
Hollister has been retained as construction manager by GlassRoots, a Newark-based non-profit that transforms lives through the wonder of glass-making, to renovate the first floor of the old St. Michael’s Hospital—an abandoned historic building constructed in 1867—into a creative hub that will serve youth and adults throughout Newark and New Jersey helping them explore their artistic sides while developing knowledge and skills to succeed in their careers.
GlassRoots will be an anchor tenant occupying over 18,000sf of space that will provide art, entrepreneurship and STEM education in both practical and creative ways. The new space will feature:
- Three glass art studios: a flame shop to form glass beads and small pieces; a flat shop to create fused glass, castings and mosaics; and a hot shop to blow glass in a 2200° furnace.
- Kiln, mold and sandblasting studios and a finishing shop
(also called a cold shop).
- A professional scientific glassblowing production and repair shop, which will bring on-the-job training opportunities and jobs to Newark.
- Flexible spaces to house workforce development programs and facilitate other
entrepreneurial activities.
- Gallery space with a quasi-permanent “history of glass” exhibit from the Newark Museum to provide a robust educational experience for visitors, including school groups.
- Income-generating spaces including a gift shop showcasing the work of students, teaching artists and regional glass artists; a coffee shop; and a gallery as a venue for regional glass artists to exhibit work, which will also be available for event rentals.
Hollister has been collaborating closely with GlassRoots to ensure their program goals are achieved while staying sensitive to their budget. During the early schematic design phase, our team thoroughly reviewed and inspected existing building conditions allowing them to identify characteristics of the building which will be maintained and incorporated into the design of GlassRoots new home. |
