Nashville Farmers' Market Grand Entrance

Location: Ohio
Market: Federal Government
Services: Architecture / Interior Design / Engineering

The Challenge

In 1934, Building 23 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was constructed as an aircraft hangar and test facility. More than 70 years later, the U.S. Air Force wanted to renovate the building to provide a modern lab facility for state-of-the-art energy research. It requested a design that retains the historic feel and aesthetic of the original building, while also creating a modern interior that meets security and force protection requirements.

The Solution

A three-story facility was created within the existing brick shell, adding new spaces for material processing, data acquisition, operations, and fabrication. The design also had special acoustical needs due to the use of vibration-sensitive equipment such as lasers and optical equipment. The superstructure is composed of a structural steel frame and designed to resist collapse in accordance with Antiterrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) requirements.

Barge Design Solutions provided HVAC, plumbing, steam, lighting and power distribution, communications and security, utilities, storm drainage, lighting protection, and fire protection. Site work included sidewalks, curbs and gutters, access drive control systems, and site upgrades to meet AT/FP requirements. Architectural and interior design were also included as part of the project.

The Impact

The renovation of Building 23 was a testament to Barge's engineering expertise and commitment to excellence. Barge successfully transformed a historic asset into a modern, sustainable, and secure facility, meeting the evolving needs of the U.S. Air Force. The team's ability to balance preservation with innovation while also prioritizing sustainability and security positioned Barge as a valuable partner in this critical project. The project exceeded the original goal of designing to a LEED Silver level, making it the first LEED Gold building on the base.

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The Challenge

The Nashville Farmers' Market building was initially completed in the mid-1990s and featured an iconic farm shed-style design. The character of the urban market site radically changed in 2018 when the new Tennessee State Museum and mixed-use developments along Rosa Parks and Jefferson Streets were completed. Barge Design Solutions was tasked to enhance the Farmer’s Market Grand Entrance to capture the attention of museum patrons, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) holders, local guests, and tourists. The design team would need to lead a thoughtful process through creativity, careful management, and oversight to create a beautiful place to visit for generations to come.

The Solution

The Market’s north end, which was once a loading dock, was designed as the Grand Entrance, offering visitors a welcoming façade. Barge designers incorporated public art, new signage, and an active learning wall inspired by the Market’s concept of “Growing Together.” The wall features Tennessee-grown vegetables, the state “Tristar” emblem, native flowers, and word searches in both English and Spanish. The wall was also designed to be illuminated at night, serving as a focal point in an inviting plaza. The project awarded more than 70 percent of contracts to minority businesses. Tasha Kennard, Market Executive Director, said, “It’s important for us that as we grow, we’re building up our community and we’re utilizing local minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses to handle the renovation project here at the Market. We’re founded on a mission to support small businesses. That’s important to us as an organization.”

The Result

Barge's successful renovation of the Nashville Farmers' Market Grand Entrance has transformed the northern and southern Market House entrances into a vibrant and welcoming destination for visitors. The team's focus on community engagement, sustainability, and design excellence has contributed to the market's success and its role as a cultural and economic asset for the city. Barge's design also accounted for the Farmers’ Market Board’s goal of having the Market reach zero waste by December 2020. AIA Middle Tennessee awarded the Nashville Farmers’ Market a 2020 Citation Award.

Architecture / Interior Design

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Nashville Farmers' Market Grand Entrance

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