visionary design, quality, and sustainability in an easy, collaborative process.
Studio GWA sees architecture and design as community art that has the remarkable ability to connect people to one another and the world around them. Imaginative thinkers, bold risk-takers, and problem-solving mavens, Studio GWA relishes opportunities to partner with clients to transform vision into reality.
Featured Projects
Each project is more than a building – it is a space brought to life by the people. We’re proud that our portfolio represents some of the most iconic regional landmarks and meaningful projects for organizations and communities throughout the Midwest.
Dawn Theater
Adaptive Reuse | Interior Design
The Dawn Theater has been successfully redeveloped into a new yet familiar use to the building: An event venue. Paying homage to historic craftsmanship in a way that complements the building’s new use is something we pride ourselves in doing. From community concerts to weddings, the Dawn has been reactivated and its original grandeur is on display, inside and out.
Haute Bridal Official
Architecture | Interior Design
With specialized displays for high-end gowns, a runway space for showings, and a spa & salon beauty room, the transformation of this vacant storefront into a couture boutique has helped bring life to the continued development of the downtown Beloit region.
Lock and Mule
Adaptive Reuse
The downtown historic district in Lockport, Illinois is home to a new craft brewery and restaurant: Lock and Mule. Developed by CL Real and Estate and operated by Tangled Roots Brewing, Lock and Mule pays tribute to Lockport’s role as the headquarters of the I&M Canal while honoring the history of the building’s original use as a Ford automobile showroom and garage.
Featured Projects
Each project is more than a building – it is a space brought to life by the people. We’re proud that our portfolio represents some of the most iconic regional landmarks and meaningful projects for organizations and communities around the nation.
Dawn Theater
Adaptive Reuse | Interior Design
The Dawn Theater has been successfully redeveloped into a new yet familiar use to the building: An event venue. Paying homage to historic craftsmanship in a way that complements the building’s new use is something we pride ourselves in doing. From community concerts to weddings, the Dawn has been reactivated and its original grandeur is on display, inside and out.
Haute Bridal Official
Architecture | Interior Design
With specialized displays for high-end gowns, a runway space for showings, and a spa & salon beauty room, the transformation of this vacant storefront into a couture boutique has helped bring life to the continued development of the downtown Beloit region.
Lock and Mule
Adaptive reuse
The downtown historic district in Lockport, Illinois is home to a new craft brewery and restaurant: Lock and Mule. Developed by CL Real and Estate and operated by Tangled Roots Brewing, Lock and Mule pays tribute to Lockport’s role as the headquarters of the I&M Canal while honoring the history of the building’s original use as a Ford automobile showroom and garage.
Our Services
Studio GWA is known for its expertise in historical preservation and adaptive re-use, and we bring that same skill and enthusiasm to all types of projects across commercial, retail, mixed-use, and multi-family residential spaces. Our dynamic and forward-thinking team of urban planning, architecture, interior design, and development professionals support all phases of projects from master planning through construction.
architecture
Whether your vision involves new construction or enlivening an existing structure, our team can bring it to life.
historic tax credit consulting
Our expertise in federal and state historic tax credits makes projects both historically appropriate and financially feasible.
urban planning
Effective plans start with understanding how people interact with individual buildings, blocks and corridors.
interior design
What’s on the inside matters, too. Thoughtful interior elements highlight architectural features and make spaces more functional and beautiful.
Our Services
Studio GWA is known for its expertise in historic preservation and adaptive re-use, and we bring that same skill and enthusiasm to all types of projects across commercial, retail, mixed-use, and multi-family residential spaces. Our dynamic and forward-thinking team of urban planning, architecture, interior design, and development professionals support all phases of projects from master planning through construction.
architecture
Whether your vision involves new construction or enlivening an existing structure, our team can bring it to life.
historic tax credit consulting
Our expertise in federal and state historic tax credits makes projects both historically appropriate and financially feasible.
urban planning
Effective plans start with understanding how people interact with individual buildings, blocks and corridors.
interior design
What’s on the inside matters, too. Thoughtful interior elements highlight architectural features and make spaces more functional and beautiful.
keeping it social
news and insights
Historic Tax Credits Explained
Throughout the country, thousands of historic buildings have become successful renovation projects thanks to a critical financial tool: Historic Tax Credits. If you own an old building and are considering renovation, here’s a guide to help you understand Historic Tax Credits and why they could be beneficial for your project.
Keep an Eye on 2023
We’re always excited to see our projects take physical shape after the countless hours of planning. We anticipate next year will be a monumental year as buildings grow. Among our many projects, here are just a few we’re keeping our eye on in 2023.
We Raised the Bar in 2022
View highlights of our most inspiring projects this year, including the new Rockford Public Library, the historic 2-12 River St. building in Aurora, the award-winning Tangled Roots Brewery in Lockport, The Dawn Theater in Hillsdale, MI and the Keith Creek Corridor Study.
Studio GWA is Now a Certified Women Business Enterprise!
We are proud to announce that Studio GWA received our certification as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE), meaning that majority ownership of the firm is held by women – Jennifer Spencer and Ashley Sarver.