POMPANO BEACH, Fla. — One year ago, South Floridians were introduced to one of the most stylish parking garages ever built. The Pompano Beach parking garage, designed by Currie Sowards Aguila Architects (www.csa-architects.com), drew raves for its “wow” factor focal points including large Led-lit canvas sails that wrapped the exterior, a giant fish mural and a glass elevator.
The word “iconic” has been associated with the 599 space parking garage since its debut, and in the past year, a surge of economic development has begun around the garage, in the area known as the Pompano Beach Fishing Village.
Construction is currently underway for an oceanside restaurant and plans are set for several other restaurants and retail shops.
“Good design is an integral part of stimulating economic development, and this garage is the perfect example,” said Bob Currie, partner of the 48-year old architectural firm based in Delray Beach. “Any parking structure can provide its intended functional task, but when you are looking to create excitement, interest and community pride, designing a statement piece that your city becomes recognized for is a critical step in attracting developer interest.”
Currie Sowards Aguila Architects were honored to have been selected to design this structure, which has played an essential role in the ambitious plans by the City of Pompano Beach and the Pompano Beach CRA for the expansive redevelopment of the beach front.
“The leadership was strategic in understanding the importance of establishing a parking garage first, to allay any concerns about parking for potential restaurants and retailers,” said Jess Sowards, partner and principal on the parking garage project. “But equally important, they understood that design is essential to branding a city’s image.”
For almost five decades, CSA has partnered with municipalities to transform functional structures into branding pieces from parking garages to bridges, fire rescue stations to courthouses. The architects’ award-winning designs have helped cities across South Florida create their own distinctive character.
“It has been our privilege to work with city leaders from West Palm Beach to The Keys,” continued Sowards. “We take a very proactive partnership approach with municipalities to create structures that are not only cutting-edge all aspects of design, but we also help the leadership “sell” the project to city boards, commissions, neighbors and other stakeholders by having them understand the project and take part ownership in the design process.”
About Currie Sowards Aguila:
Founded in 1969, the award-winning architecture firm’s bold designs have enriched communities around the globe. The team’s creative inspirations have graced cultural centers, residential communities, commercial / mixed-use developments and an array of municipal projects.
The versatile practice, known for its distinctive designs, has garnered acclaim for their singular ability to transform once utilitarian facilities into iconic structures for municipalities. From community centers to parking garages, fire stations to bridges, CSA allows design to be experienced in unexpected ways.
Their practice is augmented by the commitment of the partners to community involvement. Bob Currie, Jess Sowards and Jose Aguila have defined their legacy through their philosophy of “giving back by design and service.”
Learn more online at: http://www.csa-architects.com/
*PHOTO Caption: Pompano Beach Parking Garage. Photo by Dan Forer.
Related link: http://www.csa-architects.com/
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