A Davenport, Iowa, bank has been transformed into a 38-unit workforce housing community for young professionals.
Brenton Banks was a family-owned chain of successful institutions known for embracing the formalism and narrative of modern architecture. Designed by ASK Studio, The Brenton, as the building is now named, is New Formalism, a style that emerged in the 1960s as a rejection to the rigid form of Modernism. New Formalist buildings embraced many classical precedents such as building proportion and scale, columns, highly stylized entablatures, and colonnades.
The parameters of the existing spaces resulted in units with large expanses of windows, units with window-lined entries, and units with exposed concrete structure not commonly found in housing units. The main lobby of the bank was maintained as a grand space that serves as a community commons. The high ceilings and glass exterior make it inviting and a one-of-a-kind experience that is available to residents for quiet work or entertaining friends.
“The reuse of office space is critical to providing housing in a post-pandemic world. This project shows it can be done while respecting a neighborhood, the environment, a budget, and a historic building,” stated the nomination. “It is an example to be recognized so others understand the merits and possibilities.”
All units have full appliance packages, including washers and dryers. In addition, amenities include a gaming lounge and a fitness area.
