The 110 Walnut Street building is a newly constructed studio and meeting space located on the historic town square of Glen Rose, Texas. Built on what was once a vacant and overgrown lot, the structure is positioned between a restaurant housed in a former Coca-Cola bottling plant and a semi-vacant historic building. Its design seeks to respect and complement its historic neighbors while revitalizing the square.
Minimal in scale and proportion, the studio subtly recedes from the street front to allow the adjacent masonry buildings to retain their prominence. The façade features native limestone, board-formed concrete, and custom steel windows and doors. Signage is deliberately understated so that the materials and craftsmanship serve as the building’s visual identity.
A tall rubble stone wall from a neighboring structure became the central inspiration for the design. The studio embraces this historic wall by incorporating natural light and restrained detailing that highlight its presence. A custom steel entry gate with bronze mesh offers transparency and views into the site while a saddle leather-wrapped steel pull adds a tactile, aging detail.
The entry leads to a covered walkway and outdoor space, where the roof overhang is carefully offset from the historic wall to allow light to filter into the interior. Inside, the layout is simple: an arrival space with a kitchenette to one side and a private office pod to the other. The meeting space, strategically placed to be visible from the sidewalk, frames views of the courthouse across the square.
Interior finishes combine durability and warmth, including concrete floors, lime-wash walls, shou sugi ban cladding, and a white oak ceiling. Steel beams and custom surrounds accent the interior, while an open workspace enjoys views toward the outdoor entry and the historic stone wall. Thoughtful details blend modern restraint with respect for history.
Because the site lies within a flood plain, the building was elevated slightly above grade, requiring an entry ramp. Square window bays along the side provide light while aligning with rain chains and protective rain shields that manage stormwater without damaging the adjacent historic façade. The studio’s design balances practical requirements with subtle gestures that enhance its relationship to both site and context.
The project was completed on a tight budget, guiding decisions toward efficiency, repetition, and multifunctional spaces. Flexible interior walls allow the building to adapt over time as needs evolve. Beyond its function as a creative studio, the building has helped spark community pride and momentum toward revitalizing the historic square, showing how new construction can honor history while serving contemporary use.