The Petaluma Arts Center was envisioned by the founding board as “A Place for the Arts in Downtown Petaluma where visual artists will have opportunities to
present and market their art to local residents and
visitors; to host exhibits by the region’s and nation’s leading
artists, for cultural performances, films, lectures and
workshops; where youths and adults will learn about creativity, self expression,
cooperation and art-making.”

In the repurposed freight building at the downtown Petaluma train station, the arts center houses two exhibit galleries, a gift shop, an art classroom, office and support spaces in 4500 square feet.

MAD was engaged in the restoration of the historic freight building with the City of Petaluma prior to the interior repurposing design and build out. With an interior as bare as a barn holding luggage and goods at the train station, the Arts center packed in flexible utility into the floor plan maintaining the building’s exposed trusses and characteristic sliding doors.

The entry was the bold move. A spiral carved into the old concrete flooring spins outside the building collecting the creative space and bringing it to the center. Turning vertical the curved forms are earth covered niches that hold ceramics and small sculptures.