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The Karl Building &
MadCap Coffee Grand Rapids, Michigan
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• historical renovation
• completed: Spring 2007
• renovated area: 59
lineal feet of facade
• general contractor: Fryling
Construction
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summary |
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In late 2008, MadCap Coffee opened its doors, becoming the Karl
Building's first post-renovation tenant. MadCap owner Trevor Corlett fell in
love with the building's prime downtown location, as well as its beautifully
restored exterior. The high ceilings and expansive exposed brick wall also
caught his eye when scoping out a future home for his new venture.
AMDG provided support to
Corlett and local designer Tom Roeters on the interior of the project as
well. Trevor's wish to showcase the shop's seven foot tall coffee
roaster proved to be a challenge, considering the building's tight space
constraint and various city safety codes. Acting as a liaison between
MadCap and numerous city inspectors, AMDG was able to help Trevor create
an innovative solution to his design dilemma. Customers can now peer
over a glass railing and through an opening in the main level floor, to
view the roaster in the lower level of the building.
Clean lines, lofty
ceilings, and soft lighting are punctuated by stainless steel
appliances atop a custom poured concrete bar. Floor to ceiling
storefront windows draw in a magnitude of natural lighting
during the day, and allow the illuminated interior to steal the
spotlight after dark. The result of these combined elements is a
stunning, inviting new space that draws passersby into
the historic building's new, redefined identity.
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In 2006, the owner of the Karl
Building approached AMDG with an opportunity to renovate the store front of
this historic 19th century building. Partial renovations during the mid-20th
century had obscured most of the building's grand, turn-of-the- century
store front.
Working closely with the
building owner and the city historic preservation commission, AMDG and
Fryling Construction developed a design including durable, modern
materials which complement the form and detail of the traditional facade
while preserving the historic character of the surrounding buildings.
Frequent communication
between AMDG, Fryling, and JDH Engineering during construction allowed
unanticipated conditions related to the age of the building to be
addressed and resolved quickly.
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