BASS PRO SHOPS INC. ARCHITECTS WORLD WIDE SPORTSMAN * Islamorada, Fla. In the category of Renovated Specialty Stores (over 5,000 sq. ft.), Bass Pro Shops Inc. Architects, Springfield, Mo., was awarded the 1999 SADI for its design of World Wide Sportsman in Islamorada, Fla.
Challenged by strict zoning restrictions in the Florida Keys, the development of World Wide Sportsman spanned three years. Two of those years were invested in navigating the county planning, zoning and regulatory agency reviews. Local ordinances limit all buildings to a single story and strictly confine the footprint area, thus producing unusually high land costs.
To obtain a mezzanine level, Bass Pro Shops had to find an existing building that could be remodeled. In addition, both land and marina access were critical. An old metal boat storage facility on Morada Bay was selected.
Once the issue of "where" was cleared, the design team set about developing an image that reflected the area's rich fishing heritage while exciting the customer from every angle.
To get that authentic Florida Keys' look, local craftsmen worked side by side with those from across the region and the nation. Together, they executed the team's highly designed requests concerning every detail, including store fixtures, light fixtures, handrails, signage, doors, floors and elevators.
Most of the store's display cases do double duty as miniature museums. Memorabilia closely connected to the retailer's inventory, such as the fly fishing rods and reels belonging to Zane Grey and Ernest Hemingway, fill display cas es throughout the store. A full-scale replica of Hemingway's fishing boat, "The Pillar," also has a home in the store.
The mezzanine houses an upscale bar and an art gallery, as well as a travel agency. A diving bell elevator connects the two levels.
The store's design was successful in one other respect. The store has been certified as an Audubon Signature Sanctuary site in honor of the environmental sensitivity exercised in all aspects of its design.
AWARD RECIPIENT BASS PRO SHOPS INC. ARCHITECTS
Springfield, Mo.
Tom Jowett AIA (vice president of design and development)
CLIENT: BASS PRO SHOPS
Product Manufacturers/Suppliers: Advanced Shutter Protection Inc., Oakland Park, Fla.; Awning Specialties Inc., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Butler Rosenbury & Partners, Springfield, Mo.; Centex Rooney Construction Co., Islamorada, Fla.; Downs Tile, Marathon, Fla.; Elevator Interiors & Accessories Inc., St. Petersburg, Fla.; G&M Terrazzo Co., Pompano Beach, Fla.; Gerry Droney Landscaping, Islamorada, Fla.; Hollywood Millwork, Hollywood, Fla.; Horizon Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Inc., Miami; Horton/Jones Electrical Contractors, Wilton Manors, Fla.; Keys Wood Floors, Marathon, Fla.; Living Color Enterprises Inc., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Lotspelch Co. of Florida Inc., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; MJM Studios, South Kearny, N.J.; Pass Painting Co., Miami; SightLine Studios Inc., Starke, Fla.; Southeast Mechanical Contractors Inc., Hollywood, Fla.; Stathis Construction, Pompano Beach, Fla.; Titan Roofing South Inc., Pompano Beach, Fla.;Trainor Glass Co., Riviera Beach, Fla.; Ulmer Construction, Jupiter, Fla.; U.S. Brick Inc., Plantation, Fla.; Bill Bahder, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Giles Engineering PC, Ashland, Va.; QED Engineers, Dania, Fla.