On Main Street in a picturesque, historic river city (Stillwater, MN), this space was purchased to open a Fresh Flower and Home Gift shop. The space, a historical store front had been empty for approximately two years. The space would require updates and modifications to make it a welcoming and inviting space for the tourists and local residents while providing the owner with a functioning workspace and needed equipment to house and prepare fresh flowers and floral arrangements for retail and special events.
Our goal was to create a space with modern amenities while adhering to historical restrictions. Due to these restrictions few changes to the exterior were possible. The main concerns for the exterior was preserving the structurally supporting wrought iron columns and reconstructing their crumbling stone bases as well as replacing the uneven, broken entry tiles which posed a tripping hazard. Limited parking, access for demolition removal, cartage of tools, materials and equipment, winter conditions and being considerate of the neighboring businesses posed major challenges.
The decision was made to abate the centuries of paint layers from the columns, revealing the ornate iron work and allowing an inspection for structural integrity. Due to inclement weather conditions a heated poly enclosure was necessary to keep the project on schedule. Limited by the color choices the Historical Association allowed for refinishing the columns, black was chosen. Matching the existing stone of the entry steps, stained and textured concrete bases and front entry area was installed.
The entire area started its transformation with the removal of the original 1800’s clay tile which was broken, uneven or missing. Although abatement was not required, the neighboring restaurant requested that noise be kept to a minimum during their business hours. Workdays started at 3 AM and finished by 11am in time for the adjacent restaurants lunch crowd. 13,000 – 15,000 lbs of old, lime based mudset floor was removed in 5-gallon buckets through the front door and took down to grade in some areas, 4-8” of mudset was needed to level and prepare the area for new tile.
In the new workroom the mudset was set 1 ¾” lower with a sloped transition to provide additional clearance for the walk in cooler.
The new high humidity floral cooler was built out of state and trucked in for assembly and installation on-site. The pieces had to be small enough to fit through the front door before assembly. The low ceiling height made assembly a challenge.
The old furnace room entry wall was removed allowing for easier access to the floral work area. This required the relocation and addition of sprinkler heads to comply with code clearances and for the new cabinet layout. Due to minimal ceiling height below the second floor loft, an exposed rafter ceiling design was chosen. The removal of drywall exposed over spanned ceiling joists, further compromised by the previous owner’s electrical work. A Microlam beam was installed to reduce the span and ceiling joists were replaced. The open ceiling was sprayed white to reflect light and provide visual depth. Once the new tile flooring was in place, the furnace was enclosed and the area prepared for the installation of a custom made walk in cooler, owner designed wall shelving and work station.
Before transformation started.
The addition of a new display fireplace with stone façade, custom made Alder point of sale counter with granite tops, display cases made to frame the retail area display cooler, repairing and covering the front window ledges, updating the electrical service and installing new lighting fixtures, this space now beckons to the passerby.
Cork was used in the in the front for window ledges.
The bathroom was also updated with new tile flooring, a new vanity and fixtures, custom shelving and work sink. The wall tile we were able to keep.
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