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Historic Art Experience
The Crayton Heritage Printing Press, once located on this site, inspired the design of Hawkins Press by infusing its legacy of craftsmanship and creativity. The building incorporates salvaged materials, including antique typesetting equipment and parts of the original Miehle press, blending history with modern design. Crayton-Heritage was known for transforming printed material into art, a legacy that continues in the artistic vision behind Hawkins Press. The careful balance of traditional craft and contemporary innovation, seen in Crayton-Heritage’s work, is mirrored in the building’s design. Hawkins Press stands as a tribute to both the creative spirit and the meticulous craftsmanship that once defined the print shop.
Faux Steel Beams
Framing around the reception desk is another standout piece. This rust-inspired aged I-beam frame is a nod to the vintage industrial look of the project, and recall the rich materiality of the items formerly found in the print shop that once stood here. Faux-finished by ArtStar, whose founder, Kelli Walker, is the artist showcased in the Fireside Lounge, the rusted texture and look add another measure of character to the space.
Reception Desk
Some of these trays have been used as a textural wrap along the bottom of the custom-built reception desk, anchoring the leasing lobby. Lighting at the front of the desk accentuates the contrasting textures and colors found within the assembly of the different trays. Leather hardware pulls at the drawer fronts were added as embellishments to this original piece.
Tray Ceiling
Among those salvaged treasures were numerous wooden trays, once used for the letter press machine’s individual letters and characters. The building’s lobby features a custom ceiling, crafted using the various letter trays from the original print shop. Illuminated by perimeter lighting, the wear and ink of the trays provide a visual interest and depth that only authentic weathering can provide. This fundamental design element sets the tone for the rest of the project.
Commissioned Art Piece
The fireside lounge features a striking assemblage art piece created from various salvaged materials, objects, and printed elements originating from the original print shop. With colors, textures, and patterns skillfully sewn together, the piece captures the local context and historical essence of the space, evoking a sense of the past through a modern, abstract lens. This masterwork was commissioned from the artist, Kelli Walker, known for her unique sewing techniques that unify diverse elements into a cohesive narrative.
Garage Doors
In the fireside lounge, there are two faux loading docks constructed as unconventional lounging nooks for residents. The docks crafted here are reminiscent of old industrial loading docks and resemble the dock of the actual printing press that once stood here. The doors were painted by Artstar to look as if they are original to the building.