Adaptive Reuse

GCA partnered with Outside Architecture to reinvigorate two dilapidated yet historic buildings. Originally constructed as commercial storefronts in the 1880s this interconnected series of two- and three-story buildings were slowly collapsing inwards on themselves because of decades of neglect.  The vision for the project was a serene, private residence elevated within its vibrant, yet occasionally overwhelmingly busy, Milwaukee neighborhood. After stabilizing the structure with a new interior steel frame and reconstructed wood floor systems, GCA created two roof monitors that bring daylight deep within the building and create a strong internal focus to the loft.  The climax of the experience is a stairway suspended delicately from the ceiling with thin 3/8” steel rods.

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