Rowland Reading Foundation I Madison, Wisconsin

Founded by Pleasant T. Rowland, the Rowland Reading Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children develop a love of reading.  Among other programs, the foundation publishes and distributes The Superkids reading program to teachers across the country.  With the goal of expanding their resources, the Foundation looked to Potter Lawson to renovate a two-story, 24,000 square foot building for their new foundation offices.

The original building was dark and had very little natural light.  The renovation included enlarging the windows on the north and south façades, and adding a large central skylight located above the main production room.  Interior offices have continuous glass walls to allow natural light into the space, which creates openness and offers views to the outside from nearly any area.  A multi-media training room allows the Foundation to host on-site instructional workshops for teachers.

To conserve energy, the building is equipped with a high-efficiency mechanical system allowing for higher ceilings, increasing visual and spatial appeal.  An exercise room and showers encourages employees to bike to work or work out during the work day.

Awards

AIA Wisconsin Merit Design Award

InBusiness Commercial Design – Best Renovation

ASID-Wisconsin Gold Award

AGC Build Wisconsin Award – Best Renovation