Dwayne Bergmann Interiors has designed the Southwest Florida Community Foundation’s brand-new Regional Collaboratory & Tech Hub (referred to as the Collaboratory.)
Located at 2031 Jackson Street in Fort Myers, this 15,000-square-foot addition is part of the foundation’s regional headquarters on the former Atlantic Coast Railway Depot campus. The Collaboratory includes meeting and tenant spaces, social and special event venues, and shared working and collaborations space, including a coffee bar, all of which were revealed to hundreds of people during a grand opening event.
The Collaboratory was inspired by the Southwest Florida Community Foundation’s need for meeting rooms and Downtown Fort Myer’s need for common areas to drive economic development via collaboration. Therefore, Dwayne Bergmann Interiors chose furnishing layouts, fabrics and finishes that allowed for mixing and matching, as well as mobility and versatility throughout the space.
For example, the employee lounge can be used for classroom-like presentations, casual meetings and more, while the coffee bar is accessible from all areas of the building for a second coffee or break time.
Principal Conceptual Artist/Designer Dwayne Bergmann and his team also utilized the design to bring about the new concepts developed by the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, as well as to preserve the history of the railway station. This includes a train track that runs through the building and out to the street, as well as incorporating the rail elements into the new design.
“The rail concept is a literal interpretation of the historical aspect — tying two parts of the new building together. Mimicking that within the wood beams of the ceiling and linear light fixtures carries that theme to another level,” Bergmann said.
“Color tones, finishes, and fabrics also helped us to balance old with new. We blended warm color tones of beige and taupe with wood finishes and textured fabrics to elicit old, cozy feelings. Then, my team contrasted those with white and gray tones, as well as concrete and quartz finishes and clean lines for a new feel.”
Various companies are currently leasing this space, as several long-term leasing options are available for daily and weekly rates. For more information about these options, call the foundation at (239) 274-5900.
For further insight into the design of the Collaboratory, call (239) 344-7455. Online at DwayneBergmann.com.
About Dwayne Bergmann Interiors
Dwayne Bergmann Interiors, a Florida-licensed interior design firm, is comprised of conceptual artists and American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) licensed team members who determine your values and the ways you use your living space before going to work.
With a full range of conception-to-completion services — architecture, building and visionary interior design — the company can plan your new home, perfect what you already have or search for desirable finishing touches. The result is a dynamic living environment that captures your essence in every element and accent. For a complimentary initial consultation, call (239) 344-7455. Online at DwayneBergmann.com.