Kraemer Design Group Completes Architecture and Design for Two Historic Properties in Detroit’s M@dison Block

DETROIT, October 11, 2013 – Detroit-based Kraemer Design Group, PLC (KDG) announced today the completion of historic consulting, architectural and interior design projects at two properties in the newly dubbed “M@dison Block” at 1520 and 1528 Woodward Avenue in Detroit, both owned by Bedrock Real Estate. KDG Interiors Director Heather McKeon made the announcement.

“We were originally engaged strictly as the historic consultants for these recognized downtown properties,” said McKeon. “Once we demonstrated to Bedrock the outstanding potential of the buildings and shared our unique vision for renovation, we were offered the opportunity to do the entire core and shell work, which included maintaining and updating the infrastructure, exterior and common areas of the building. We were pleased to take the project from beginning to completion and create vibrant, contemporary spaces that preserve the character of these historic buildings.”

1520 Woodward Avenue, the former Lane Bryant Building, which was first constructed in 1909, is now comprised mostly of office space with the potential for retail in the first floor and basement. KDG engaged with 5^th and 6^th floor tenant, Detroit Labs, on interior design to create an open workspace that artfully juxtaposes the old structural wood framing and exposed brick with new, finished interior design elements.

“As a creative start-up, Detroit Labs needed a flexible space that embodied its personality and encouraged collaboration among its employees. To bring this concept to life, we activated the two-story suite by cutting a hole in the floor, then repurposed the wood we removed for railings and accent pieces in the conference rooms,” said McKeon.

1528 Woodward Avenue, a 45,146-square-foot, six-story building, originally constructed in 1916, now exudes a midcentury appeal from its renovation in 1960 when it became the headquarters for the United Foundation. The second floor contains conference room spaces and a lounge that could host a variety of events, and KDG restored and updated its décor in a style that complements the remaining 60s-era components. KDG created clean, bright and modern elements within each of the tenant spaces, allowing future tenants flexibility in customizing their space. The office floors of the building are now filled up, with Sachse Construction occupying the building’s top two floors, and KDG serving as the architect on the 3^rd and 4^th floor tenant spaces, which house Bizdom U and a Bedrock co-working space.  Retail space is still available on the ground floor.

With nearly 20 years of expertise, KDG has completed more historic renovations in Detroit’s urban core than any other design firm and leveraged this experience to qualify both 1520 and 1528 Woodward for the highly sought-after State of Michigan Special Consideration Historic Tax Credit (now discontinued by Governor Snyder). KDG has other notable historic projects, completed and in progress, which are also slated to receive this important financing incentive including the Broderick Tower, the David Whitney Building, the Durant, 1212 Griswold, the Farwell Building and 1413 Woodward.

 

Detroit-based Kraemer Design Group, PLC (KDG) is a leading, high-end architecture, interior design and creative firm with nearly 20 years of experience in historic renovation and comprehensive architectural consulting. Serving the commercial, multi-family residential, hospitality and retail industries, KDG combines highly technical industry experience with unparalleled creativity to produce exclusive design solutions. For more information visit www.thekraemeredge.com. 

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