Gray Construction, 2021, street elevation


This file appears in: Wolf Wile Department Store/Gray Construction Building
Gray Construction, 2021, street elevation

The form of the building contrasts its surroundings as being an obvious example of modernism but its features mix well with the surrounding buildings. The asymmetric facade facing Main Street features a top heavy, relentless, concrete face that cantilevers out toward the sidewalk. This cantilever is supported by polished metal columns that taper toward the base, making the cantilever appear to be almost floating. These columns also pull the entrance way of the building out onto the sidewalk, pulling people off the street and into the store. The facade wraps around the building’s corner and continues down the building on Quality Street. The elevation facing Main Street is intersected by a perpendicular limestone wall which pays homage to the limestone foundations of surrounding Kentucky buildings. The only windows visible from the street were the first floor display windows and doorways. No windows were added to the upper floors to keep the front facade as minimally ornamented as possible. The remainder of the exterior of the building is surrounded in brick veneer. The brick veneer is a Flemish bond to replicate the pattern that is seen throughout many masonry buildings in Lexington. The layout of the interior of the building was very open with many kiosks, booths, and a few stalls. This interior design allowed for high visibility and easy adaptability.


This file appears in: Wolf Wile Department Store/Gray Construction Building