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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 24 2008, 12:09 AM EDT (current) | downtownwhitewater | 2 words added, 1 word deleted |
| Mar 24 2008, 12:04 AM EDT | downtownwhitewater | 830 words added, 1 photo added |
Changes
Key: Additions Deletions
Best Building Facade Rehabilitation over $7,500
The total cost of this building rehabilitation project was a little over $350,000 of which about $100,000 was spent on the façades. TheT
he historic restoration of these buildings along with the adjacent Whitewater Hotel (Restored in 2006) has really improved the appearance of West Whitewater Street. Two new commercial businesses have opened in these buildings since the restoration was completed and the buildings have outstanding potential for higher and better commercial uses in the future due to the care and attention that was paid to the exterior façade improvements.
Overall scope of the project
The end result is more impressive in our eyes than what the owner originally set out to do. Early intentions at the time of purchase back in 2005 entailed only interior upper level renovation of vacant space into functioning apartments with exterior improvements to follow as the rental cash flow permitted.
Through the first plan commission submittal, the city and community expectations were laid and the direction changed to include their constructive input.
Even after the improvement plan was upgraded to include façade improvements, the interior retail portion of the building was set to remain the same. Fortunately each retail tenant has fed off of the rehab themselves, and taken the improvements a step further to integrate upgrades into their individual spaces as well.
Special Design Problems
Finding an old picture of the building was a bit challenging, but necessary. During the planning process the picture was important to show that the retail space on the corner of Second Street and Whitewater Street, which is now occupied by the College Pub, had store front windows at one time and could support them again.
Steps in the Rehab Process
Key pieces of the rehab process include having support from the city and tenants. Getting paired with the appropriate architect and construction manager for the project plays a very important roll.
Building Use
At the time of purchase the building was 66% occupied with four retail / office tenants occupying space on the ground level. During construction the occupancy declined to 37% with two of the retail /office tenants vacating on their own due largely in part to the upcoming renovation. With completion of the renovation, a new retail tenant has taken over the vacant space and the residential space has leased up as well.
Conformance with preservation standards
Most noticeable pieces preserved include:
Painted brick was cleaned to let the original cream city brick color show again.
The interior upstairs space, which served as the first Armory in Whitewater had wood floors, which were refinished and incorporated into the current apartments.
In order to preserve the original exterior look, all retail and upper level windows were restored to their original sizes.
During the removal / demolition of the smaller sized storefronts that had been added over the years, a few of the original transom glass pieces above the doors and retail windows were uncovered. The smaller windowpanes were present throughout and a few areas had an etched look which was also replicated in the appropriate areas.
Involvement of the City and Main Street Program
The Cravath lakeshore improvements have created a wonderful view for this building. The City and Downtown Whitewater, Inc. remain involved with events at the park and future ideas to enhance and improve business in the area.
More specifically, the encouraged design input for the building was made possible through the TID incentive, façade improvement grant, administrated by Downtown Whitewater, INC. and the CDA low interest façade loan.
Using the Downtown Whitewater, Inc. Design Guidelines was an important element as well.
Impact on downtown (visual, economic, social)
During the approval process the question was often asked, “what is the name of the building” and Ryan, the owner, did some historical research trying to find something catchy and after some thought decided that the building should be know for the tenants that occupy it. The retail is important and makes the downtown what it is and he feels they deserve the credit.
Of the retail tenant mix, two remain from the time of purchase and one is new following the renovation. We think this tenant is really a feather in the cap of the city, in that Dan’s Meat Market is owned and operated by a long time resident. This is a start-up business and not an existing business that is moving up to an improved building leaving a less desirable one empty.
The dedication and improvement to the Cravath Lake front also served as enticement for Dan from Dan’s Meat Market to select this site.
