Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation

spawglass-port-arthur-edwards-mulhausen

The renovation of the former 1920’s era First National Bank on Proctor Street was part of a downtown revitalization effort led by the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation. The building had once been part of a bustling commercial corridor, in the heart of the city’s business district, but had sat abandoned for decades. Hurricanes and neglect had deteriorated part of the building and dozens of previous renovations had damaged the detailed plaster work and intricately painted ceiling, and divided the interior into a cavernous maze of small unappealing spaces.

spawglass-port-arthur-edwards-mulhausen

Hurricanes and neglect had deteriorated part of the building and dozens of previous renovations had damaged the detailed plaster work and intricately painted ceiling, and divided the interior into a cavernous maze of small unappealing spaces.

The design team set out to restore the building to create a new functional and efficient home for the Port Arthur EDC while staying true to its historic roots. Walls and ceilings not original to the building were demolished opening the building’s interior to more closely reflect the original floor plan. A combination of traditional and modular wall construction was utilized to create new private offices for staff, and glass office fronts allow natural light to flow into the center of the building. While much of the plaster detailing could not be salvaged the original hand-painted ceiling was fully restored.

In the back of the building the bank’s original vault remains, complete with the two-foot thick steel vault door, and has been repurposed into a conference room. A large feature wall separates the lobby from the board room showcasing historic images from the town of Port Arthur.

Hurricanes and neglect had deteriorated part of the building and dozens of previous renovations had damaged the detailed plaster work and intricately painted ceiling, and divided the interior into a cavernous maze of small unappealing spaces.

The design team set out to restore the building to create a new functional and efficient home for the Port Arthur EDC while staying true to its historic roots. Walls and ceilings not original to the building were demolished opening the building’s interior to more closely reflect the original floor plan. A combination of traditional and modular wall construction was utilized to create new private offices for staff, and glass office fronts allow natural light to flow into the center of the building. While much of the plaster detailing could not be salvaged the original hand-painted ceiling was fully restored.

In the back of the building the bank’s original vault remains, complete with the two-foot thick steel vault door, and has been repurposed into a conference room. A large feature wall separates the lobby from the XXXX showcasing historic images from the town of Port Arthur.

spawglass-port-arthur-edwards-mulhausen
spawglass-port-arthur-edwards-mulhausen
spawglass-port-arthur-edwards-mulhausen
spawglass-port-arthur-edwards-mulhausen

Architect: Haddon+Cowan Architects
Photography: Michael Vogel