News

July 16, 2008

Best Before And After...Ever?

1909/1950s/2008. That was the progress for the 1909 D.A. Blodgett building in Grand Rapids, MI. It started life as an orphanage with a classical entryway; then during the 1950s, a couple of additions gave the building a plain 1950s look.

When the Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF) acquired the building in 2004, the idea was to get back to the original look and to use the building for its headquarters. All of the 1950s boxy additions were demolished, and Cornerstone Architects of Grand Rapids, MI, followed historic postcards to complete the $6.75 million restoration, including reproducing the classical entry façade. They also followed energy-saving guidelines and have applied for LEED certification.

Who says historic preservation and sustainability aren’t compatible?

Photos: courtesy of Prof. Lee Hardy, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI