Thursday evening at Downtown Eau Claire’s Annual Awards Banquet, the newly renovated Volume One Magazine World Headquarters and Local Store received the 2012 Renovation of the Year Award.
205 N. Dewey Street was home to SDS Architects for over 25 years. The structure constructed in 1871 was purchased by Aesthetic Investment in the mid-2000’s. At that time, Aesthetic Investment became interested in using the space for their own use, and wished to relocate Volume One Magazine World Headquarters and its Local Store there. In 2012, SDS moved to a nearby location which better suited their changing work style, while simultaneously working with Aesthetic Investment to renovate the existing building to fit with Volume One’s unique and distinctive aesthetic requirements.
In order to accommodate these requirements, the three-story structure was completely gutted and remodeled by Rhom Construction. Several structural changes, including removal of the central stairway and reinforcing the existing roof structure, created key challenges to both the project’s design and its construction.
The new design allows an open floor plan to flood the space with natural light, exposes the historic brick, and allowed much of the original wood flooring to be restored to its natural beauty. In addition to office spaces, a retail area was created which more than doubled The Local Store’s former retail space. A small art gallery / multi-purpose event space was created to allow for community events such as book readings, music performances, community discussions, workshops, and film screenings. Flexible work spaces were included to allow freelance community members the opportunity to interact and collaborate with others. Also included in the remodel are two conference rooms, a lounge area, and a kitchen / break room.
After a year of design and construction, the newly renovated store opened its doors in July of 2012. SDS Architects, Inc. is grateful to have worked on a project so highly regarded by the community in which it resides.
About SDS Architects Inc
Founded in 1953, SDS Architects specializes in design and planning of educational, industrial, commercial, recreational, religious, and government facilities. SDS is experienced in sustainable design solutions and the LEED process. Recent SDS projects include an 83,000 S.F. cluster-style residence hall addition at UW-River Falls (a LEED NC Gold project), remodeling of the Chippewa Valley Technical College Learning Center and Student Commons located on the Business Education Center, and remodeling of the University Transfer Center on the Nicolet Area Technical College Lake Julia Campus. For more information, go to http://www.sdsarch.com.
Media Contact: Laura Eysnogle, Project Coordinator / SDS Architects Inc / 715.852.2570 / leysnogle@sdsarch.com
