Nelson Glass House

The three new upper floors step back from both the street and its neighboring buildings to preserve the light and air between buildings, and to maintain the residential view corridor that is established by the existing properties and their porches. In the process, these step backs are engaged as outdoor terraces for the apartments, taking advantage of expansive views of the community, rising to meet the Central Business District’s scale in the rear. Designed to LEED Silver Guidelines, the high ceilings, large windows, and balcony doors allow natural light and air into the units, giving them a bright and open feel.

The interior materials connect to the industrial history through brick accents folding into the spaces, balanced by wood cabinets, white oak floors, and bronze light fixtures. The ground floor was converted into a café with a new roll up door, allowing the former driveway to serve as an outdoor patio. In a true collaboration beginning to end, the large glass doors, windows and glass rails were all provided by the former occupying company.