reclaimed heart pine
dupaco community credit union | dubuque, ia
Urban Evolutions collaborated with Gronen Construction and Dupaco Community Credit Union to renovate the historic Voices Building located in Dubuque, Iowa’s Historic Millwork District.
© Gronen, Dubuque, IA
Project Overview
This five-story industrial structure, originally the site of a prominent wood products manufacturer, had been vacant for several years. Dupaco's vision was to rejuvenate this community treasure, transforming it into a vibrant mix of office, retail, entertainment, and community spaces, while maximizing economic value for its members.
Sustainable Practices
A significant aspect of the renovation was the focus on sustainability and preservation. The project team desired to retain the original structural timbers, enhancing the building's historical integrity. Urban Evolutions sourced antique heart pine timber skins from the J.I. Case Tractor Factory in Racine, WI. These were used to encase the existing timbers, thereby improving structural stability and maintaining a reclaimed aesthetic throughout the building.
Our team further worked closely with partners to salvage the original factory flooring, repurposing this beautiful antique material for use in future homes and businesses, thereby diverting it from landfills.
Urban Evolutions takes pride in extensively reusing original materials and incorporating reclaimed materials from various sources.
© Gronen, Dubuque, IA
Economic Efficiency
The renovation project preserved a historic building and created a dynamic community space. It proved more cost-effective for Dupaco Community Credit Union than constructing new buildings or renovating other existing structures.
Project Significance
The Dupaco Voices Building project stands as a testament to the power of deconstruction and reuse. It showcases how old spaces can be transformed into new, vibrant community assets while being both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. This project breathes new life into the community, highlighting the value of sustainable practices in modern development.