Casa de Cadillac

Zakian Woo Architects’ update of a landmark car dealership from the 1950s successfully stayed true to the building’s international style and elevated the space to match the new face of Cadillac.

The existing interior was a jumble of low, disconnected offices. ZWA transformed the space to be welcoming with a new, prominent customer service desk and open lounge. A simple grid system was established using linear light pendants and AC grills, creating flow between the building’s two angled wings and the new customer service area. In keeping with the building’s lineage, the interior of its service bay was stripped back to its original brick and steel truss features.

When it came to the exterior, ZWA was challenged to blend two strong forces – the building’s historic status and the automaker’s branding standards. A compromise was achieved by utilizing Cadillac’s color and materials palette and recladding small portions of the main exterior with ‘Cadillac limestone. Historic features were restored, including a metal entrance canopy and the building’s original glazing and aluminum frames.