Adaptive Reuse of an Ice House as Route 66 Heritage Center

Adaptive Reuse of an old Ice House as U.S. Route 66 Heritage Center

An Architectural Demonstration

The architectural concept of the project looked at re-adapting an old ice house building into a U.S. Route 66 Heritage Center, strategically located on the old historic Route 66 through downtown Springfield, IL. The heritage center would not only house permanent and temporary exhibitions but would also be an important place during the annual Route 66 car parade show in the city.

There were design opportunities as well as challenges in altering the functionality of the space. The building has a large column free space with thick load bearing brick walls which are apt for exhibition space and open public areas in the heritage center. One of the main challenges was the insufficient natural light penetrating inside the building which needed a facade or roof opening to bring in light and external views into the building. Also, good vehicular circulation in the project site was important the external facade area would be used for bringing in the old vintage cars during Route 66 festival in the city.

The two levels of the building were connected through a central staircase and overlooking balcony area, providing visual connection across different spaces. The interior space is free-flowing connecting different activities. The roof was provided with a skylight which was placed right above the main car exhibition stage which could have different vintage cars put up for shows. The skylight also lit up the entire atrium. The building facade toward the Route 66 was altered to establish a visual connection from interior spaces to the exterior view of Route 66. The facade opening facing the west direction would also bring enough light into the building. Attention was given to minimum alteration to the facade to preserve historic elements like the big name signage of Ice House.