Race Pace Bicycles, Ellicott City, Md.
Retrofit Team
Architect: Ammon Heisler Sachs Architects, Baltimore
General Contractor: Bakers Construction, Westminster, Md.
Metal Distributor: N.B. Handy Inc., Lynchburg, Va.
Materials
Fabral 12- and 16-inch Silhouette HCF Series metal wall panels finished in Sherwin-Williams Coil Coating (formerly Valspar Corp.) Fluropon coating in Slate Gray and a custom red were installed in a continuous horizontal pattern on the building exterior. Thanks to its color-adhesion properties and vibrant pigments, the selected Fluropon colors provide a modern and dynamic vibe to a once drab exterior. To maintain its strong local brand, it was important Race Pace Bicycles secure exterior colors that match the company’s style. With Sherwin-Williams’ color-matching abilities, the process was simple.
Metal Wall Panel System Manufacturer: Fabral
Coatings Provider: Sherwin-Williams Coil Coating (formerly Valspar Corp.)
The Retrofit
Since 1978, Race Pace Bicycles has provided Maryland with high-quality support and expertise on all things bicycle-related. Beginning as a small two-room storefront in West Baltimore, the business has expanded to five locations. The third location, which opened in Ellicott City in 1984, had to be relocated when the strip mall that housed it was to be torn down. Wanting to maintain business in the area, Owner Alex Obriecht purchased a local warehouse to become the site of the company’s next Ellicott City location.
Ammon Heisler Sachs Architects was hired to conduct a full-scale remodel of the interior and exterior of the warehouse. Plans also were developed to add 4,800 square feet to house the company’s sales floor and storeroom. A major facelift was needed to the structure’s façade to attract customers and convey the Race Pace Bicycle brand. Taking more than 21 months to complete, the Ellicott City location staffs 15 employees and is home to Bella Bikes, Race Pace Bicycle’s exclusive store for women and the first all-women’s bicycle store in the country.
Photos: Fabral