Story

Design Plus purchased the old 12,000 SF freight depot on the corner of Cherry and Ionia, added 11,000 SF to the existing structure, and completely renovated the existing building to create our new corporate offices. The renovation included removing the existing roof, retaining many of the existing timber columns, and adding a new metal roof at increased pitch. Additional window openings were added in keeping with the original design. The existing brick façade was soda-blasted to remove the many layers of paint and graffiti on the interior and exterior of the building, and new landscaping was installed around the perimeter, including installation of a snowmelt system around all entrances. Designed as a speculative office building, the newly refurbished building included enclosed offices, conference rooms, large open office spaces, upper mezzanine, restrooms, and large commons area. The project construction was completed in 2000, and received the Associated Builder and Contractor Award in 2001 for best Historical Renovation.