Talmadge Powell Creative Studios
LDKerns was hired as the general contractor to restore and renovate the 18,000sf building well-known as the Historic Swinney Hardware Building, as well as the two connecting retail shops located in the distinguished Kendall Whitter District, near 3rd and Lewis. The original contract value was $1,950,000.00 and performed for a lump sum bid through a competitive bidding process.
The project started with complete removal of interior partitions, storefront system, roofing membrane, fire damaged structures and decking. The demolition process left only the structural steel, roof joist/salvageable decking, CMU walls, historical tin ceilings, as well as the masonry walls which have served as a landmark for this historic district since 1934. The buildout process began with structural decking and joist repairs, topped with an insulated TPO roofing system, which included the addition of (4) new skylights replacing the buildings original skylights. New electrical, water, and sanitary services were brought to the building to serve the all new MEP systems. Strategically placed floor slabs and walkway ramps were added to account for the stepped concrete slabs original to the building. Structural steel beams were added for a two-tier storefront system of which the top tier was filled with laminated glass to closely match the original window patterns of the building. A covered recessed entryway / garage was added to the west side of the building to accommodate the existing western alleyway that is 4’ higher than the east side of the building. The interior restoration offers several distinctive elements with its stylish flair and functionality. Maintaining the historic integrity was important, it just made sense to keep as much of the existing raw structure exposed.
Building Features Include:
- High-end open office space with bold accent colors.
- A collaborative gallery designed for hosting parties and events.
- Efficient layout of photo room, break room, large storage area and workshop.
- The conference area provides space for meetings, training and privacy when needed.
- Window frontage on two street facades add to the visual impact of this unique building.
- Refurbished West parking area with new grading, curbing, sidewalk and asphalt paving.
Soon after construction began LDKerns evaluated, priced and was selected to provide services on an additional scope of build-out for two tenant spaces with a sophisticated office space. This portion of the project retained many of the same elements of the original project (on a smaller scale) with the addition of restoring approximately 3,000sf of original tin ceilings. This additional scope of work increased the contract amount by $265,000.00.
Specific Challenges:
- Renovations were performed around an existing structure with inconsistent wall dimensions and floors that were not level.
- Many of the new openings required structural supports which included oversized members to increase the aesthetic flair.
- The storefront system was a custom color, which took a 14-week process to receive.
- The garage addition was built on the side of the building where the existing roof sloped.
- Recognizing and addressing safety issues on site and surrounding area generating high-traffic.
Overall Project Success:
- Construction was completed one week early and on budget.
- The addition scope of work released 6 weeks after construction began, finishing one week after the original scope of work was completed.
- This restoration has complemented the significant artistic appeal to the Kendall Whittier district.
- Being a part of something bigger – more than 23 new businesses have opened in the Kendall-Whittier service area, representing over 160 jobs and $12 million+ in private investment.
The professional teaming of Stonebridge, Selser Schaefer and LDKerns was instrumental in producing such a remarkable environment and unique workspace.
