Waverly Downtown Apartments
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Waverly Downtown Apartments
Waverly, Iowa Construction completed: Summer 2016 Photography: Howard Doughty (Immortal Images), Kate Bell, Andrew Bell Project Description: This project added 18 new apartment units to downtown Waverly by renovating vacant portions of five buildings along the main thoroughfare Bremer Avenue. A Community Development Block Grant as well as the efforts of the Waverly Chamber of Commerce made the project possible. Significant improvements were made to each building's structure, systems, and thermal envelope while preserving historic materials. Many unique spaces were created by adapting existing conditions to meet modern building codes. Image to the Left: While exterior work was only a small portion of the work, it will have lasting impacts on the buildings' futures. A good example is the old First National Bank building at 98 East. New wood sashes were custom fit to the existing wood frame and the brickwork was repointed with pigmented mortar to match original color - which was found deep in the joints. |
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Most interesting or unique element of the project:
Many of the upper floors in most main streets are in poor condition due to lack of use - even when the storefronts are impeccably maintained. This trend often continues until local organizations or ambitious owners take it upon themselves to breathe new life into these underutilized spaces and get more people downtown. |
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Perhaps the most startling transformation of space in the project was the renovation of an abandoned and dilapidated basement into a modern, comfortable studio apartment. A new floor was poured. Walls and ceilings were insulated. High efficiency HVAC systems were installed. And quality finishes, including quartz countertops, were used to create a fashionable and durable dwelling.
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What is the Architect's favorite aspect about the project?
Working with people and buildings in a community that I grew up in has been extremely rewarding. One of the buildings involved in the project has been a favorite of mine since I rode my bike past it in middle school. I appreciated the opportunity to help invigorate Waverly's vibrant downtown and develop new rentable spaces in the historic district. ~Andrew Bell |
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