The Houston Zoo Gift Shop project was a part of a larger project aimed at creating a revitalized entrance to the existing zoo located in Houston, TX. COAR Design Group (formerly JKA) worked with the design team to remodel the historical entry building within Herman Park including upgrades to the gift shop, photo booth, office space, stock room, surrounding site area including spill out merchandising, and exterior building upgrades.

COAR Design Group designed the project from the initial concept phase to construction completion. Services included interior design, selection and specification of interior finishes, retail fixture design, furniture and accessory selections, sourcing and procurement of fixtures, coordination with structural and building systems, and production of construction documents and construction administration.

The design of the gift shop maintains and enhances the historical architectural features including the turrets, storefront windows, and vaulted entry. However, the new aesthetic provides for a modern retail experience that provides intuitive way-finding, interactive feature displays, meaningful messaging opportunities, and a balance of interesting visuals and merchandise.

Features include a book nook for family reading, outrigger window displays in the turrets, multiple feature tables, flexible retail fixtures, a cash wrap with graphic feature wall, and custom lighting elements. The finishes and fixture design are intended to establish clean lines and a simplified motif to complement the merchandise. Sight lines, guest circulation, flexible merchandising, audio, security systems, queuing, special events and outdoor merchandising were all considered in the design as well. The new Zoo Store and Photo booth integrate seamlessly with the historic charm of the building and surrounding zoo while also upgrading the guest and retail experience to a modern aesthetic with contemporary materials and meticulous detailing.