This project was a quick study for Wilmac Property Co. in Dubuque Iowa. As caretaker owners of a long-defunct service station, they were seeking help in repositioning the property for a higher use. Located in the recently revitalized Historic Millwork District, the 1970’s era building was incongruous with the century-old warehouse buildings that surrounded it.

Despite it’s tired appearance, the structure of the building was solid. Our recommendation was to embrace the features of the building that gave it a unique feel such as the large glass garage doors and open mechanic’s pits. Rather than remove or cover them up, we celebrated them in the conversion of the space to a new office use. This approach helped to keep construction costs down and will provide an affordable, reimagined space in a highly desirable neighborhood.