AN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR REMODEL OF A TWO-STORY, BRICK COMMERCIAL BUILDING INTO A HIGH-END OPTOMETRY AND EYEGLASS BOUTIQUE.

The 7511 Harwood building is located within Wauwatosa’s Village which has undergone a significant revitalization effort that has attracted new investment in this historic district. This renovation project explores the balance that modern architecture can strike between embracing the character of a location whilst maintaining a contemporary design.

The scope of work includes the removal of existing, non-historic masonry cladding and canopy from the front of the building, existing brick restoration, new fenestration and new storefront. The project also includes a complete renovation of the building interior to include new commercial occupancies on both floors. The new Harwood Avenue storefront features new brick piers that demarcate separate entries for the ground floor and second floor tenants. The open-air vestibules at the building entries are clad in horizontal thermally treated ash boards.

The ground floor storefront is imagined as three large apertures that are clad in natural zinc metal and thermally treated ash wood. These contemporary elements bring ample daylighting into the commercial space and offer views to the newly landscaped park directly across the street while remaining in-character with the existing structure. The brickwork on the main façade is highlighted with rowlock sills, Flemish-bond coursing and limestone trim.

The interior renovations of the building include new vertical circulation elements, polished concrete floors, natural ash wood wall claddings and a soft color scheme that complements that existing exposed concrete structure.

Location
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

Size
5,000sf

Status
Completed 2019.

Scope
Exterior renovations and interior remodeling.