Commercial Architecture Project: Halquist Stone

Location: Franklin, Wisconsin
Status: Completed 2019
Size: 5,000 sq ft.

Halquist Stone was seeing increased competition from other local stone quarries and approached GCA about building a new stone showroom at their Franklin campus. The goal of their efforts was to create a modern stone showroom that enhanced the buying experience for their customers. By elevating the selection and purchasing process, they were able to maintain their position in the metro Milwaukee market as the premier stone supplier for commercial and residential projects.

Our design sought to simplify the typical stone showroom into a series of four display pods. Keeping the environment clean and ordered supports decision making during the stone buying process and conveys a message of accuracy and quality on the part of Halquist. Large areas of glass admit natural light deep into the building which is essential in understanding the color of stone as it will appear on the exterior of a building.

The dramatic two story volume of the show room impresses customers upon entry, allows the exterior light to bounce further into the space, and provides the height necessary for an office mezzanine for sales staff. The monumental steel stairway up to the sales office provides a sculptural element within the space and gives easy visual and acoustic connection between the sales staff and the sales floor.