An historic ice-storage warehouse in Nanjing will be transformed into a commercial destination by Benoy China working with developer MCC Real Estate Group.

Part of the development of a mixed-use retail and cultural experience for the community in the Yangtze River Bridge area, the riverfront warehouse was built in 1915. “It will become one of the largest commercial developments in the area,” says Benoy China director Qin Pang.

Retaining the original form of the historical buildings, Benoy will insert modern blocks that will form a cultural plaza at the heart of the site. A refined architectural expression on the outer streetside elevations will be offset with more playful modern cubes. Through careful placement of the new buildings, Benoy can preserve the views of the historical structures, a crucial element of the design brief.

Construction is scheduled to start this year.