City Fitness in Fishtown was Stokes' first venture into the realm of physical fitness design. This location, on the ever-developing Frankford Ave. was another example of repurposing beautiful, industrial buildings by embracing their existing character and inserting architectural elements.
The space combined 2 buildings, via a wall breach, and added a new second floor space atop the Frankford-adjacent building.
In accordance with the developer's vision for Frankford Ave., the façade at the street was opened up, with glass overhead doors and large windows. These openings put on display the juice-bar and gym check-in, an origami-like sculptural object made up of 63 uniquely shaped plywood panels assembled on site. Beyond the check-in desk, a new glass ceiling bridges the gap between buildings, and gives natural sunlight to a live tree.
The rear of the building, with its airy wood truss ceiling, acts as the main fitness floor. A mezzanine was added, bringing guests closer to the El Train that roars past the gym on the Front Street side.
The second floor addition, with its floor to ceiling glass outer walls, gives full views of Philadelphia and Fishtown.
LOCATION:
Philadelphia, PA
COMPLETED:
Spring 2017
WEBSITE:
http://fishtown.cityfitnessphilly.com/
*photo credits: Matt Wargo
For Pinsetter Bar and Bowl, the client wished to renovate his bowling alley with a few stipulations. The doo-wop style from the previous renovation was to be swapped for a more modern but rustic feel, and the bar and restaurant was to be acoustically insulated from the obvious noise of the bowling alley.
Stokes’ strategy was to add a few simple built elements to reinforce some spatial ideas. A lower wood slat ceiling over the entrance created a more welcoming and deliberate entry way and walk-up to the check-in desk, and new walls were built with custom double hung windows to enclose the bar while keeping it visually open. The interior was then completely refinished with cork, reclaimed wood, painted plaster, and a few custom designed elements like booths and a bar soffit.
LOCATION:
Pennsauken, NJ
COMPLETED:
Spring 2014
*photo credits: Matt Wargo
Morey’s Piers, located on the boardwalk in Wildwood, consists of three amusement piers and two water parks. It is considered the largest oceanfront amusement complex in the world, and is one of the top ten most visited amusement parks in the country.
In an ongoing collaboration with owner Jack Morey, Stokes Architecture designed a collection of large, playful signage, as well as an entry arch evocative of the carnival-like environment of the Pier.
LOCATION:
Wildwood, NJ
WEBSITE:
WWW.MOREYSPIERS.COM
Stokes Architecture collaborated with Jack Morey in transforming an existing water park into more of a resort destination, the Ocean Oasis Beach Club and Water park. The new water park was given a tropical theme, utilizing peeled eucalyptus, bamboo and other natural materials. An existing hot tub was transformed into a grotto with a swim-up bar. An underutilized area under a coaster was transformed with the addition of tiki style cabanas, extensive landscaping, and a fire-pit. A new bar and grille were constructed overlooking the ocean, and a large indoor ticketing facility was built at the entrance. A small Airstream trailer was utilized for a massage cabana.
LOCATION:
Wildwood, NJ
WEBSITE:
WWW.MOREYSPIERS.COM
