Gilroy, CA

Located at 7471 Monterey Road and with a membership of 725+ businesses, the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce has been forming alliances to create a strong, local economy since 1952. The Chamber building, unfortunately, was in need of an update to more accurately reflect the organization’s vibrant presence in the community.

Public buildings should have a visitor-friendly façade that blends harmoniously into the streetscape. The existing façade of the Chamber did not meet basic design objectives for public storefronts, which need to reach out to the community. The blank, closed-off street entrance seemed forboding and unwelcoming. Further, it seemed out of place in scale and style, lacking sensitivity to its environment. In its existing state, the building was not a benefit to the Chamber of Commerce’s public image nor a good neighbor to the surrounding businesses.

One major element that the façade required was fenestration. Windows open up a building to the outside, making it seem friendly and accessible.

Weston Miles Architects’ main goal was to open up the front of the building, allowing the Chamber to effectively show the public who they are. New windows help draw people into the building, and a main lobby provides a pleasant reception area. A new public bulletin space helps communicate important and exciting news to onlookers. Similarly, new signage helped the building stand confidently in the street. Finally, updating colors and materials reflected a better understanding of the street’s historic character, and signifies a good relationship with its neighbors.