Celebrating 2023 Project Completions in Architecture & Interior Design

As we bid farewell to 2023, it's time to reflect on the extraordinary journey we've had in the world of architecture and interior design. Our team has been hard at work, turning visions into reality and bringing spaces to life. From Colorado to California and Ohio, we celebrated the completion of 5 incredible projects and are excited to share the design and impact behind these creative successes that defined our year.

JUNTO HOTEL | RIVERSIDE REVIVAL

Columbus, Ohio

When we first visited the project site in 2019, the Franklinton neighborhood—locally known as “the bottoms” for its historic flooding events—largely consisted of surface parking lots and single-story industrial buildings flanked by historic railroad tracks on the west side and the CoSI (Center of Science of Industry) to the east. The broad vision for the master plan of the nine-block, mixed-use development included residences, retail, offices and parking, with a hotel at the center of the development. Alongside this revitalization was a desire to preserve the character of Franklinton, with its history and spirit dominating our design story. 

As we developed the hotel and retail space, we found inspiration in Franklinton’s rich history, from its agricultural riverside roots, to the whimsical design of a former train station, now owned and operated as a meeting hall and popular wedding venue by the local firemen’s union—the “River Rats”. From ground-floor boutiques and eateries, to the hotel lobby bar and a glassy second story ballroom, to individual suites and penthouse apartments, much of the design is oriented around sunrise and sunset views that span the city, Scioto river and the distant plains.

Learn more about the Junto Hotel here.

VIM 1 | URBAN LIVING ON A BUDGET

Colorado Springs, Colorado

VIM 1 is a 5-story attainable apartment building in downtown Colorado Springs. The design is an urban infill site, with smaller unit sizes to keep rent attainable. Inspired by high end hospitality projects with a budget in mind, VIM 1 is community space focused.

The inspiration came from a Yin/Yang concept, with two ‘L’ shaped buildings above the podium level that enclose an intimate courtyard in the center. On some levels, the buildings are connected with bridges, creating visual gaps between the projects and unobstructed inward and outward views. The exterior has a very simple facade with a palette of two shades of grey. The facade facing inwards and towards the courtyard are painted with a very vibrant colored art mural, creating energy and the heart of the project.

Learn more about VIM 1 here.

ART STUDIOS | PRESERVING A MODERNIST GEM IN THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE

Denver, Colorado

Located in the Golden Triangle District of Downtown Denver, this office-to-residential conversion features 192 micro units ranging from 250-300 SF complete with loft beds and storage.  Public spaces include a multi-function lobby with an adjacent outdoor courtyard, a Maker’s Studio, Fitness and Penthouse Lounge with outdoor terrace on the top floor with expansive views of downtown.

Designed by local architects Peil, Slater, Small & Spence and built in 1962 as the Western Farm Bureau Life Building, it was later home to the Art Institute of Colorado for 18 years. The design vision was to peel back the layers of additions and dirt and bring forward a treasure of modern architecture. Preservation of the existing façade is met at the ground level with the addition of curvilinear storefront, consisting of colors of the Itten Color Wheel – a Bauhaus staple.  Celebrating the modernist architecture style of the building, and the pioneering essence of micro-studio style apartments, resulted in clean lines and a simplistic approach to finishes. Throughout the building light wood tones and a clean color palette serve as the canvas for sixties inspired design elements, and set the stage for the montage of rescued artifacts and repurposed items that tie the story together. The Art Studios infuse new energy into the Golden Triangle neighborhood while naturally folding in the existing streetscape, a success story of adaptive reuse.

Learn more about Art Studios here.

THE WAYMARK | WHERE RAILS MEETS TRAILS

Walnut Creek, California

The Walnut Creek Transit Village is a mixed-use, multi-purpose development containing 358 residential units, a full range of common area amenities, and ground floor retail. Acting as a prominent gateway to the downtown core from the adjacent Walnut Creek BART Station, the project is a major step towards sustainable, transit-oriented growth.

The Waymark at Walnut Creek Transit Village embraces all that Walnut Creek has to offer. The residential buildings take on the personality of the 3 main impacts around this area, Trails, Rails, and Station. The BART hub being located here allowed the design to organically fall into the direction of a modern train station.

Learn more about The Waymark here.

The Grass Sticks installation at the recently completed Lofts at Steamboat Basecamp was designed by interior designer Johnson Nathan Strohe out of Denver and assembled by Deneuve, the general contractor.
John F. Russell/Steamboat Pilot & Today

BASECAMP LOFTS AT STEAMBOAT

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

The Steamboat Basecamp is a new adaptive reuse project at 1901 Curve Plaza in Steamboat Springs, CO. The 52,000 SF structure will be used to house a dynamic mixed-use retail and residential development.

Embracing the year round outoor lifestyle of Steamboat Springs, the design evokes locality in every detail. The Yampa Valley Curse is known to makes people yearn to return to the valley. The lifestyle, the curse, and the wanderlust are just a few reasons residents return to Steamboat, and the design at Basecamp emodies it all.

For more information on the lofts and deeper look at The Grass Sticks Art Installation, check out the article here.

What's Next?

At JNS, our success lies in the collaborative spirit of our team, the passion for innovative design, and our commitment to exceeding expectations. These projects showcase not only our skills but also the lasting impact we aspire to create. While we savor the achievements of 2023, we've already set our sights on new successes for 2024. Stay tuned for exciting announcements, project progress and continued dedication to creating impact.