Erected in 1894, the historic Arabella Street Bus Barn is on the National Register of Historic Places. Manning Architects provided complete architectural design services for a major renovation/adaptive re-use project to rejuvenate the existing structure. The renovation put this once abandoned transit facility back into commerce as a thriving specialty food store, Whole Foods Market.
The original, intricate steel truss framing was meticulously restored and remains a highly visible feature of the interior. The double-break in the gable roof provided the opportunity for clerestory windows as a source of natural light for the interior tenant space. The design incorporates many of the original building features which provided eligibility for historic rehabilitation tax credits.
While the building sustained minor wind damage during Hurricane Katrina, the Whole Foods Market is now fully operational and an integral part of both the
surrounding neighborhood and the larger urban community.
View Original