American Brewery

Renovation of the American Brewery was approached with a desire to transform a derelict 1887 building into one which demonstrated the owner's strong commitment to the distressed neighborhood, while preserving the iconic structure and incorporating some of the brewery’s industrial elements as design features in the new space.  

Client
Humanim
Location
Baltimore, Maryland
Distinction
Historic Renovation
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Community impact

  1. Front entry creates a welcome face to the neighborhood.
  2. Neighborhood fabric reveals high levels of distress and blight.
  3. Immediate neighborhood fabric and Brewery prior to renovation reveal high levels of distress and blight.
  4. Program emphasized spaces where community members could gather for training, classes and social events.
  5. New seating area below former grain chute funnel provides informal meeting space.
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Fifth floor, formerly housing equipment and concealed by louvers, is transformed into a large meeting room for board meetings, community events, classes and seminars.

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Re-purposed artifacts tell the brewery story

  1. Fifth floor grain chute receives a floor and new openings to create a new lobby.
  2. Openings are cut into former tank to create collaborative work and meeting space.
  3. Salvaged tank is reworked to create a new fireplace surround.
  4. Early sketch shows concept for transforming grain chute into lobbies and key design feature.
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The design for the restoration and level of craftsmanship are impeccable... I cannot think of a more successful combination of historic preservation and community revitalization or a project more deserving of an honor award.

Tyler Gearhart, Executive Director Preservation Maryland
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Historic preservation

  1. "Before" view of front facade shows boarded up doors and windows after about thirty years of abandonment.
  2. Building exterior was completely restored, transforming a symbol of neighborhood blight into a positive community anchor.
  3. "Before" view at fifth floor terrace shows deteriorated wood trim, missing windows and brick masonry.
  4. View at fifth floor terrace shows restored wood trim, new energy efficient aluminum-clad wood windows, cleaned brick masonry and new slate roof.