Architect Charles Gordon sent over some images he prepared for reuse of the Baker Shoe complex at 456 Main Street. Owner Ellicott Development asked Gordon to develop a conceptual reuse plan for the property which is now being renovated. It is interesting to see what could have been. Gordon’s proposal called for removal of the retail section fronting Main Street to create a courtyard for the taller residential building along Pearl Street and allowing a new wall of windows on the adjacent former Courtyard Mall.
“I was asked to develop for EDC [Ellicott Development Company] a more conceptual vision for this building,” says Gordon.
Ellicott decided to retain the Main Street building that will be available for office and retail use. The company also decided against adding a penthouse level and balconies to the rear building. The new design, now nearing completion, retains the historic look of the buildings in order to qualify for historic preservation tax credits.
The top four floors will house twelve apartments, eight of which will be two-bedroom units and the remaining four will be one-bedroom units. Unit sizes range from 1,150 to 1,450 square feet with the first apartments expected to be finished and move-in ready this Fall.
“What they’re doing now does not preclude more what I had in mind happening down the road,” says Gordon.
Courtyard Inspiration: