The
project was initiated through a community block development grant
administered by the Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation (WNHAC).
The design team, Kayafas Architects and their partner Heritage Architectural
Associates initially prepared a strategic plan that recommended a
prioritized, phased approach that considered the prominence of the
building within the Wheeling National Heritage Historic District.
Once
a candidate building was selected, the team completed an historic
character assessment, provided conceptual design services and prepared
budget estimates. Design issues included the restoration of historic
building materials; re-design of commercial storefronts (including
contextual corporate signage) to foster compatibility with the significant
architectural character, and ADA accessibility.
The
client occupied what were once three retail spaces and needed a design
to unify the storefronts yet preserve their individuality. The design
team worked successfully within the state regulatory review system
and achieved favorable 106 historic review approvals on all aspects
of the proposed rehabilitation.
