Mount Pleasant Town Hall Magazine

13 www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.ILoveMountPleasant.com | www.MPTownHall.com MOUNT PLEASANT Town Hall “Walking into that lobby and seeing that high ceiling is a moment I’ll never forget,” said Fishburne. “It’s satisfying to know we helped create a space which will help the town grow.” Wallpaper that resembles the texture and shades of sweetgrass wraps around walls as if to offer a hug. Tabby, a type of concrete consisting of crushed oyster shells, sand and ash, can be found in both courtrooms. This clever nod to the sea life that fills our waterways provides texture and an undeniable gleam. Small flecks of shell particles provide a natural mosaic, while sunlight seeps through the large windows of the Council chambers, giving the room a crisp, clean ambience. “We wanted everything to have that organic feel,” said Fishburne. “From the color palette we chose to the materials we used, it all aligns with the natural beauty of Mount Pleasant.” The thought-out details will not be lost on visitors. Grand light fixtures, stunning entanglements of aqua, pearl and green, dangle from the high ceiling. The colors and shape of these oversized orbs give an artistic pulse to the entire structure. Originally modeled after the shape of jellyfish, they also can be viewed as a free-form interpretation of crashing waves or a rippled creek. At second glance, they take on the muted, smooth shades and texture of sea glass and become an oversized version of something you might find on the shore of Sullivan’s Island or Isle of Palms. Even shades of paint throughout the new Town Hall were chosen for their resemblance to the hue of pluff mud – a substance that cushions our riverbanks and appears at low tide, sometimes acting as a canvas for delicate fiddler crabs to etch out designs of their very own. “Andrea and I were allowed to be progressive in our furniture selections and various design aspects,” said Fishburne. “We’ve fused together both traditional and contemporary influences, creating a Modern Transitional style of design.” From making metal detectors a subtle yet cohesive part of the overall design to guaranteeing the Police Department was both functional and aesthetically pleasing, much thought went into keeping each corner and hallway warm and engaging. “To be a part of such an important project means a lot to me, especially being a South Carolina native,” said Kuhfuss. “I love shaping and transforming our local communities. There is a complexity in designing public spaces. You have to understand how the spaces need to function and respond to both the input and expectations of those involved in the process.” Clean lines take center stage at Mount Pleasant’s Town Hall, and the environment, the antithesis of cold and sterile, possesses the allure of an arts center. “I really love the volume and shape of the large courtroom,” said Kuhfuss. “It is an important space, and it is unique in its shape. I am very pleased with the variety of flexible work environments we were able to create. When employees have choices about where and how they work, they are happier and healthier.” In addition to the grand spaces and inviting corners that can be found within the building, careful planning was put into the landscaping and the Town Hall’s outdoor spaces – pockets of green that summon birds, butterflies and other creatures. Visitors have access to a park filled with native trees and sitting areas – ideal places to sip sweet tea, read or simply take in the natural surroundings. A rooftop terrace on the top of the building gives way to views of skylines and the ever-iconic Ravenel Bridge. “To know this building will be here for decades is such a reward in itself,” said Fishburne. “It will be so cool to have the opportunity to one day take my children here and tell them, ‘Mom was a part of all of this.’” Beyond the steel and stucco, this building is one with immense heart – a testament to the resilient and spirited individuals who work each day for the greater good of the town and its citizens. With a sense of transparency and natural flow, the open doors of Mount Pleasant’s Town Hall usher in a Southern breeze and a new era in our diverse landscape. TH The colors and shape of the oversized orbs in the main lobby give an artistic pulse to the entire structure. Originally modeled after the shape of a jellyfish, they also can be viewed as a free-form interpretation of crashing waves or a rippled creek – or something else altogether. Photo by Jenn Cady.