Sedona Main Street Program proudly
nominates the new building at Patio del Norte as the AZMS Best New
Building Project. This new building within Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village
blends seamlessly with the surrounding venue and architecture. It
is integrated in-fill development extraordinaire, providing additional
retail and event space.
In less than nine months, the new
building at Patio del Norte emerged within this Sedona landmark in a
manner that positively defies time. The original building techniques
were recreated and then its’ stucco façade was aged with an earth wash
to match the naturally aged surfaces of neighboring structures. As if it
were always there, the building placement and its integration create a
sense of completion for the space, rather than an addition or
encroachment on the plaza courtyard.
The existing small entrances to the
courtyard were preserved as well as the original Mexican marketplace
mural that has been enjoyed at Tlaquepaque by many visitors during its
more than 30 –year history. To move the 14,000 pound mural, the
contractor saw cut around the entire mural, installed lift hooks,
grouted them in place and then picked it up with a crane keeping it
totally intact.
The building is made up of a few
masses with a dramatic arched entry near the center and aligned with the
fountain in the courtyard. This additional entry not only honors the
Tlaquepaque tradition of dramatic entry openings aligned with fountains,
but also improves access to the plaza courtyard and increases the sense
of space for the crowds that gather for special events and fiestas. It
is complete with quarried granite detailing on its exterior face and
mosaic tile on the interior of the archway. The building is crowned by
an open patio terrace with views on both sides, into the courtyard and
across Hwy. 179 to the red rocks beyond. The second floor terrace patio
includes a trellis and beam shade structure with built-in benches; the
exterior railing is created by the façade detail for the roof line, and
its’ interior courtyard railing is iron work that blends with the
courtyard and new staircase. This second floor provides additional space
for staging and/or viewing the numerous annual free events hosted here
by Tlaquepaque. The public restrooms at the southern end of the plaza,
whose access was once visible to the whole courtyard, are now well
signed but discreetly screened by the intricately detailed staircase
that leads to the open patios above the building. There is a low planter
at the base of the staircase which is defined by two 45 degree angles,
mosaic tile insets in the risers, and rusted wrought iron banisters. At
the northern entrance to the plaza courtyard, a new elevator is tucked
into an arched nook, again well-signed but discreetly screened. An
additional staircase faces Patio de las Rosas and its’ open stairs on
the exterior of the building are a trademark feature of Tlaquepaque,
encouraging exploration of the second floor and facilitating both
visitor movement and access.
All the interior and exterior signs
and lighting accent the building and match in style and material to
those used throughout Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village.
The existing courtyard landscaping was preserved and the exterior
landscaping is so befitting it seems to have grown in place. All facades
are well articulated with masses that step in and out and vary in
height. The higher parapet screens mechanical equipment. Amazingly, the
integrity of pedestrian and vehicular circulation within the Village was
preserved, despite the building footprint wrapping onto both the plaza
and its’ adjacent parking areas.
This is a new building you must truly
see to believe. Or we should say, you must truly believe and then try to
see what is new!
Economic impacts:
1. Private investment of $
1,100,000.00
2. Building labor employment – local
architects, contractors & skilled laborers
3. Two additional tenant spaces fully
occupied upon opening and new patio
terrace can be
rented (for weddings, receptions and private parties),
thereby increasing
employment, resident and visitor patronage, and revenue
generation in SMS
District
Aesthetic, cultural and social
impacts:
1. Priceless!
Plein Air Artist Dinner
benefiting Sedona Arts
Center – October
Flagstaff Symphony Benefit
– October
Festival of Lights – Lighting of 6000
luminarias – December
Pilgrimage to Bethlehem
– living Nativity and Christmas Concert
Fiesta del Tlaquepaque
– September
Journey to Jerusalem
– Easter Concert - April
Sedona Marathon
– Registration & packet pick up for all participants- February
Shakespeare Sedona
– June/July – Courtyards used for ticket sales and reception area
