Dream Downtown
Randall Stout, FAIA, 1958-2014
Randall Stout first worked with Zahner to produce the Hunter Museum of Art in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Since then, his firm Randall Stout Architects worked with Zahner on projects across North America, including the Art Gallery of Alberta in Canada, and the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke, Virginia.
Mr. Stout was enormously influential on Zahner’s processes and materials, transforming the company’s mindset towards constructing complex structures and material surface exploration. His contribution toward the field of architecture and his dedication to green initiatives paved the way for artists and architects who are now making their mark around the world. His impact on the engineers and artisans at Zahner continues to be significant.
The Dream Downtown Hotel in New York City
The Dream Downtown Hotel, designed by Handel Architects, features a Zahner engineered custom façade and window system. To mitigate glare, the stainless steel is custom finished to medium reflectivity. The perforated ZIRA system lends an element of visual interest and added rainscreen functionality.
Zahner was selected to collaborate on the project due to the complexity of engineering required. The architect’s drawings outlined dozens of circular windows to be cut into the façade, mirroring parts of the preserved historic building, originally designed by Albert Ledner.

Hotel guests enter the south entrance of the Dream Hotel in NYC.
PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY

North facade of the Dream Downtown / Staircase inside the Dream Hotel.
PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY

South facade of the Dream Downtown in New York City.
PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY

Metal fabricators at Zahner’s shop manufacture the window systems for the New York City facade..
PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY

North facade of the Dream Downtown.
PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY

Detail of the metal panel system of the south side of Dream Downtown.
PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY