ServisFirst Bank - Summerville

One of the projects we have the good fortune to be a part of is the adaptive reuse of a mid-century retail building into Servis 1st Bank’s latest branch location. Servis 1st happens to be our own bank which brings a rare and welcomed full circle moment to providing architectural services. Some of our other favorite aspects of this downtown Summerville project include:

• Servis 1st’s reinvestment in the Town of Summerville’s historic downtown fabric by giving a vacant corner building a new activated chapter.

• Leveraging the existing road and utility infrastructure.

• Reuse of an existing building thus preventing demolition and sending building materials to landfills.

• Receiving support from the Town of Summerville’s Design Review Board on the proposed design improvements.

The existing building at the corner of North Cedar and W. 3rd North Street in downtown Summerville was previously used as a multi-tenant retail building primarily addressing North Cedar street. To increase the visibility and welcome customers, a corner porch element was added along with additional windows to provide natural light and align with the programmatic use. Aesthetically, the exterior improvements take cues from the building’s mid-century vintage. Vertical slat installations for sun screening and a fresh coat of paint round out the exterior changes.

General Contractor: Harbor Contracting

Site Planning: Bowman Engineering

Structural Engineering: ADC Engineering

MPE Engineering: Charleston Engineering

Architecture + Interiors: Rush Dixon Architects

Inspiration from Roma - Elizabeth Unique Hotel

As architects in Charleston, we are students of history successfully meeting modernity and seek out those moments when homage is paid to historic structures with meaningful renovations for current day functions. During a recent visit to Rome, we found ourselves in one such transformation at the Palazzo Pulieri Ginetti - the Elizabeth Unique Hotel. An ancient palazzo, lush and thoughtful interiors by Studio Marincola Architects, art curated by the nearby Russo Art Gallery - it’s a wonder we ever left. The architects, interior designers, artists and craftspeople involved with this hotel design struck the perfect balance of honoring the historic vessel it inhabits while offering an environment that is somehow bold and restrained at the same time; the details were as powerful as the overarching effect. Bravo, we will be learning from this one for a long time.

Entry lobby. Artist: Enrico Benetta

Monumental stair design was perfection: carrara marble, lighted gold handrails with dark wood guards. Sculpture: Enrico Benetta

Manuel Felisi’s collage anchors the stair landing. [If you know the lighting designer / manufacturer for the light fixtures, please let us know.]

Edited entry into the room, neutral colors, arches are introduced with gold accents.

Old meets new: vintage black and white sceneries printed on wall covering adds a nostalgic layer but the execution and composition is quite contemporary.

Probably the best color of blue we have ever seen was introduced on the wall separating the sleeping area from the utilities. You can see the gold accents better here.

Giorgio Tentolini’s wire net artworks. This person is a genius.

“Dandelion” by Enrico Benetta

Tradesman Brewing Company

We like beer. We also like kick-ass entrepreneurs who have a vision, pool their talents and work hard to make things happen. The folks behind Tradesman Brewing Company - Sara Gayle McConnell, Scott McConnell and Chris Winn - are not only clients but friends, which makes it even more fun to cheer them on. Easy to do with their brand new “Charleston Area Entrepreneur of the Year Award” and let’s face it, their Circuit Breaker IPA. The project was an adaptive reuse of an industrial building in what is now called Charleston’s Brewery District (Click here for some NY Times love on the subject). Riffing off of the “Tradesman” brand and their tag line “Well Built Beer”, the design elements are raw, functional and industrial: shipping containers (for signage, storage, and an outdoor bar) framed by exposed steel and concrete for the outdoor patio.

Other reasons we love these guys:

“BREWSTER”: Building Relationships Empowering Women Striving To Exist Responsibly. They donate proceeds every quarter to a local women’s charity.

UNION CLUB: Of course they have a “union” complete with dues and secret meetings.

GROWLER CLUB: Yes, growl as in dogs; a favorite of Mr. Tibbits.

Next time you are in Charleston or on the peninsula, stop in and give these guys a high five and enjoy a pint. Cheers to you Sara, Scott + Chris!

533 Rutledge Ave. Interior Renovation

Rush Dixon Architects is a solutions-based, contemporary architecture and design firm. Results driven, we create value for our clients through designs that are both strategic and artful, always keeping client goals at the forefront. We believe that modern design is not found solely in the materials, but rather through the pursuit of better spaces for living and doing business.  It is truly a privilege to be a small part of someone's incredible journey. In this case it was the accounting rockstars (yes, that's a thing) at Accountfully, a fully outsourced, modern accounting firm in Charleston, SC that focuses on entrepreneurs, small businesses and start-ups.

Creating a fresh and welcoming place for clients and staff was a high priority for our clients; special attention was given to the beverage bar and meeting space. [Photo: Leslie Ryan]

They out-grew their current office space and were in the process of purchasing 533 Rutledge Ave. for their new headquarters when we first met owners, Meredith and Brad Ebenhoeh.  Our scope included reimagining the existing first floor layout for optimum operational flow, function and brand alignment as well as assembling a Permit Set of documents for the City of Charleston to review and approve prior to construction. The exercise of taking this historic gem and ensuring a relevant, future chapter  is one of the best things about being an architect in Charleston - designing how modern and current functions can exist and thrive within historic walls. 

The collaboration that followed yielded a work environment tailored to how Accountfully functions: a beverage bar for both staff and clients as a welcoming feature, the generous meeting space, a mix of private offices and open work spaces.  The impeccable taste and instincts of our clients perfectly captured the Accountfully brand. 

“Rush Dixon Architects was a dream to work with on our downtown commercial renovation. As timing was of the essence, we needed to move quickly and they delivered! Their communication was impeccable and deliverables were high quality. Their knowledge and experience of working with the city was very helpful in keeping our project on track. More than that, Rush and Judy are incredibly sweet and down to earth. We are now happy to call them friends."  Meredith Ebenhoeh, Accountfully

The interiors were curated by Accountfully's impeccable taste and brand alignment. Current, modern, approachable. [Photo Leslie Ryan]

Private offices with internal glazing were incorporated to allow for the necessary function of privacy and security while providing a visual connection to staff. [Photo Leslie Ryan]

Light-filled and dynamic, the open work space also known as the "bull pen" is a critical function to the daily office operations for Accountfully. [Photo: Leslie Ryan]

[Photo: Leslie Ryan]

The first floor of this century old structure at the corner of Rutledge and Fishburne avenues in downtown Charleston is the quintessential corner "store" and current home to Accountfully, a modern accounting firm focusing on entrepreneurs, small businesses and start-ups. Contact them at hello@accountfully.com

Adaptive Reuse - North Charleston

It's a privilege to participate in the built environment of Metro Charleston and the ever changing needs of the community. On the boards: Our proposal for a concept design for the next chapter of an auto repair shop in North Charleston, SC.

Existing building as it currently stands.