Architecture
architecture is community art.
We have broad expertise with commercial, municipal, residential and mixed-use buildings. As specialists in adaptive re-use, we enjoy the challenge of renovating existing buildings into new purposes. At the same time, new construction provides the opportunity for additional creativity and a clean slate. We work with owners to achieve their vision, incorporate important design details that will stand the test of time, and aim for practical budgeting that ensures a project’s success.
related projects
Nicholas Conservatory
The Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens is situated along the banks of the Rock River in Sinnissippi Gardens. The Conservatory is the third largest in Illinois, and its highest point stands 52 feet tall to accommodate the unique exotic plants and trees that it houses year-long. It acts as a beacon and landmark along the river, providing a venue for several events throughout the year.
Wahl Clipper Corporate Headquarters
Wahl Clipper Corporation is a world leader in professional and home grooming devices. Founded in Sterling, Illinois over one hundred years ago, the company wanted to develop a new corporate headquarters building that could better respond to an increasing global demand for its products.
Prairie Street Brewhouse
Located on the east bank of the Rock River, the Prairie Street Brewhouse has become synonymous with the revitalization of downtown Rockford. Originally the home of the Peacock Brewery, this landmark building is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the largest historic preservation projects in the region.
Company 251
Company 251 is a 20,000 square foot event space imbued with industrial charm and modern luxury. Formerly the home of the International Harvester Manufacturing Company, this 1908 industrial building in Aurora’s Middle Avenue Historic District retains a raw and historic character with ghost lines of the original building’s use.
Sterling Riverfront
The Lawrence Brothers and Stanley-National complexes are former manufacturing buildings that have shaped the southern gateway to Sterling, Illinois for over 100 years. The success of each enterprise was manifested in the sheer size of their buildings; put together, the complexes have over 688,000 square feet of space.
Keefer Hotel
The historic Keefer Hotel was a social center for Hillsdale and many public and private functions were held there after its construction in 1864. Several well-known guests graced the halls of the hotel including Annie Oakley, John Ringling, and “Buffalo Bill” Cody. To date, the building serves as one of the most historically intact buildings Studio GWA has had the pleasure to work on.
Rockford Public Library
The main branch of the Rockford Public Library has been located along the banks of the Rock River since 1902. Prior to the library’s construction the property was used as a gasification site. In order to remediate the site, the existing 88,000 SF structure needed to be removed, which entailed an extensive analysis of current and future needs as well as possible temporary and new locations for the main library.
Dawn Theater
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.
Lock and Mule
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.
The Iconic Building
Studio GWA is providing architectural design and historic tax credit consulting services for The Iconic Building, a former newspaper publishing building that will be converted into mixed-use space. The most historic portions of the building were designed by famed local architect Jesse Barloga including a 7-story Art Deco news tower that has left an indelible mark on the downtown Rockford skyline.
Old McHenry County Courthouse
Since 1857, the Old McHenry County Courthouse has been the centerpiece of the town square in Woodstock, Illinois. Consisting of the original Courthouse and Sheriff’s house, these landmark buildings are undergoing a complete renovation that will include retail, restaurant, event, and community spaces.