The University of Kentucky College of Design (CoD) has opened the Gray Design Building as its new home on the Lexington campus.
The facility was formerly known as the Reynolds Building — a former tobacco warehouse that has been empty for several years, the university says in a news release.
“The Gray Design Building is designed to foster community and stimulate collaboration among several disciplines, because we know that some of the best ideas come from unexpected moments when thinkers and creators from different vantage points and perspectives can simply dream in the same space together,” said University President Eli Capilouto.
New to the 132,000-square-foot repurposed building are open studio spaces, collaboration spaces, student work areas and technology such as a fabrication lab with a wood shop, 3D printers, a 3D knitting machine and more.
Designed by the Studio Gang architecture firm, the project represents one of the most significant examples on the Kentucky campus of adaptive reuse.
“Extending the lifespan of existing buildings is one of the most significant ways we can limit our impact on the environment and broaden the creative potential of architecture,” said Jeanne Gang, founding partner of Studio Gang. “Our goal was to bridge the building’s past and future by preserving its distinct character while renewing it as a place where creativity can thrive through collaboration.”
The building transformation was made possible by a gift of $5.25 million from Gray Inc., which includes companies related to engineering, design, construction, automation, equipment manufacturing and real estate and members of the Gray family.
The project also was supported by more than 75 gifts to date, ranging from studio desk sponsorships to the naming of major spaces.
