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
Garrison School Lofts
Located in Rockford’s historic Signal Hill neighborhood, the Garrison School Lofts & Townhomes are a shining example of how historic preservation and new construction can be stitched together within a traditional neighborhood fabric.
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...
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...
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...
Metropolitan Hall Lofts
The history of Metropolitan Hall is intertwined with the history of Rockford. Built in 1856, this pre-Civil War building was the largest entertainment venue of its time and was host to a variety of speakers...
Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza
Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza gained popularity with their mobile brick pizza oven, stationing it outside of breweries and within the Rockford City Market.
The Standard
Originally built in 1916, 214 East State Street is Rockford’s first non-combustible structure and hosts impressive concrete structural columns that add to the grandeur of the space.
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...
Northern Illinois Hospice
Northern Illinois Hospice has delivered compassionate end-of-life care in the Rockford, Illinois region for over 40 years. The organization’s continued growth in services required an expanded facility to accommodate its administrative, clinical, and therapeutic services.
Hart Interim Library
The Rockford Public Library embarked on a challenging project: Repurpose a former department store turned detention center into an interim library while their main library site is being remediated of contaminated soil and readied for...
Kennay Farms Distilling
Located on the iconic Lincoln Highway in downtown Rochelle, Illinois, Kennay Farms Distilling is an 8,500 square foot distillery and event facility that makes the most out of former theater space.
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...
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...
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...
Haute Bridal Official
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...
Lux Cuts
What once housed an acoustical dropped ceiling, wood and molding wrapped columns, dated flooring, and prefabricated wall panels is now an industrial and vintage-styled barber shop in the heart of downtown Beloit.
2-12 North River Street
The renovation of 2-12 N River St. includes the Hobbs Building, an 1895 landmark building originally built as a furniture store, and a three-story warehouse for International Harvester built in 1901 and 1912.
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...
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...
Colman Yards
A former industrial campus will be reinvented as Colman Yards: a 23-acre, 10-building complex in the heart of Rockford’s Water Power District. Studio GWA is working on Building 5, which is prominently located along the...
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...
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...