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What Is The Impact Of Architecture On The Preservation Of Historic Industrial Sites?

Historic Gunnison Hardware Building - Jody Reeser Architect

Have you ever visited a historic site or building and marveled at the beauty of what our ancestors created? There is just something about the history and age of these buildings that leaves one in awe. The Gunnison Hardware Building in Colorado is one such historic marvel that has been preserved for many generations to come.

Constructed in the early 1880s, the Gunnison Historic Hardware Building is one of the many buildings that have stood the test of time in Colorado. As the population of the small mining town grew, so did the need for more buildings to accommodate the growing population. The hardware store served the community for many years as the go-to source for all hardware needs until it finally went out of business in 1967.

The atonement of the building was touch and go due to the changing economic times in Gunnison. However, in 1999 a local architecture firm, Jody Reser Architect, took over the restoration of the building, and the Gunnison Hardware Building was brought back to life.

The restoration wasn't an easy task, as there were many challenges to be faced along the way. One of the biggest challenges was how to preserve the external facade of the building and, at the same time, modernize the interior to fit the contemporary lifestyle. However, Jody Reser and his team came up with a genius plan to preserve the historical features of the building and still make it attractive to modern-day users.

During the restoration, the Jody Reser Architect team had to work with what was already there, which included the original pressed metal ceiling and the original hardwood floor. These unique features were significant in preserving the building's historical integrity and charm.

The other notable restoration feature was the installation of energy-efficient windows. These windows were specially designed to match the building's original windows and, at the same time, allow natural light to come in and brighten up the space. Even though they were designed to look similar to the original ones, they are much more resistant to the harsh Colorado weather.

Lastly, the Jody Reser Architect team had to work around the building's size to maximize the usable space. The design had to incorporate both the retail and the office spaces into the building, which was a delicate balancing act. Using movable glass walls, the architects created a versatile space that can fit both retail and office uses.

Overall, the restoration of the Gunnison Hardware Building is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of our ancestors. It is amazing how these historic buildings can be repurposed and modernized to fit our current lifestyles while still maintaining their historical integrity.

FAQs

1. Who owns the Gunnison Hardware Building now?

The gunnison hardware building was bought by the City of Gunnison and is leased to Jody Reser Architect.

2. What was the Gunnison Hardware Building original design inspired by?

The building's original design was inspired by the Romanesque Revival architectural style.

3. How long did the restoration of the Gunnison Hardware Building take?

The restoration of the building took a little over a year and a half.

4. What was the building's original purpose?

The building was originally a hardware store that served the community of Gunnison for many years.

5. What is the significance of the movable glass walls in the building?

The movable glass walls create a versatile space that can fit both retail and office uses while maintaining the building's historical integrity.

In conclusion, the Gunnison Hardware Building restoration is a prime example of how historic buildings can be modernized for the contemporary lifestyle without sacrificing their historical charm. It stands as an achievement not only for Jody Reser Architect but for the community of Gunnison, who can use and enjoy this building for years to come.

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