Olson Kundig

Olson Kundig is pleased to share the first design renderings of the revitalized Telluride Arts Transfer Warehouse. Originally built in 1906, following a roof collapse in 1979, the Transfer Warehouse stood empty for nearly 40 years before being adopted by Telluride Arts as a unique new venue for arts and culture. The restoration will insert new architectural elements into the existing stone walls of the historic structure, creating an enclosed events space and increasing programming flexibility.

Led by principal/owner Tom Kundig, FAIA, RIBA, the design concept centers a quiet architectural solution that respects the existing warehouse walls and celebrates the character of the surrounding community. The project adds new interior structure, preserving the open-air courtyard while introducing enclosed, flexible event spaces, as well as a roof deck with views to Telluride and the surrounding landscape.

“Our approach embraces the historic character, spirit of openness and community focus of the existing building,” Kundig shares. “We want to respect and celebrate the elements of the warehouse that people love, including the generous open space that has become a very special venue for the community of Telluride. The main agenda of the design is to be as flexible as possible, allowing Telluride Arts to choreograph just about any kind of event on behalf of the active, vibrant arts culture that exists here.”

Movable, kinetic elements will allow the venue to adapt to host a wide range of events and exhibits, expanding access to arts programming in Telluride. These insertions further improve facility operations while reducing the impact of outdoor events on the adjacent residential neighborhood.

“We want to create a completely flexible building that can be adaptable for all sorts of different artistic disciplines, from music, to film, to art installations, to art exhibitions,” says Kate Jones, Executive Director of Telluride Arts. “We want it to be a place for creativity to flourish in this very adaptable space.”

Kundig recently joined Telluride Arts for the Warehouse Pole Party, an event celebrating the new space and sharing current plans with the local community. “Story poles” were erected around the project site to give dimension to the location and volume of the proposed interior spaces, illustrating the design concept.

“The Transfer Warehouse is part of the essential eternal core of Telluride culture, literally and figuratively,” says Penelope Place Gleason, Board Chair of Telluride Arts. “The Ah Haa School, the Wilkinson library and the Transfer Warehouse together anchor our community with central facilities for creative exchange of ideas and dialogue. As more of our small box canyon community is built out and many locals are having to move farther away, it is important for us to know this historic building will be a shared community asset forever.”