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Renovations Rescued Decaying Historic Buildings

by Cheer Pick
Renovations Rescued Decaying Historic Buildings

The way historical architecture contrasts with modern architecture is remarkable. This is especially apparent when Historic buildings are restored to their previous splendor. These four structures, which are spread around the country, are ideal illustrations of the positive effects of renovations and the transformative power of transforming aging structures.

Brewery American in Baltimore, Maryland

Renovations Rescued Decaying Historic Buildings
The American Brewery in Baltimore, n.d. (Photo Credit: Unknown Author / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)

In Baltimore, Maryland, a structure known as the American Brewery was constructed in 1887. For the Weissner Brewing Company, which subsequently expanded to become one of the biggest breweries in all of Maryland, John Frederick Wiessner invented it. The building’s dominant structure, a huge tower, was once a grain elevator for the brewing of beer.

Renovations Rescued Decaying Historic Buildings
American Brewery before the renovations, boarded up. (Photo Credit: National Park Service / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)

Weissner Brewing Company endured tough times during Prohibition, just like many other alcoholic beverage businesses. The plant was ultimately forced to close in 1920. The structure was sold to the American Malt Company in 1931, who renovated the inside and ran their brewery there until 1973. The structure was included to the National Registry of Historic Sites in 1973 as well.

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Renovations Rescued Decaying Historic Buildings
View of the American Brewery building’s main entrance in 2018 following renovations. (Quaintly / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0) | Renovations Rescued Decaying Historic Buildings
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Eventually, the structure was neglected for about 40 years. That is, until Humanim Incorporated, a neighborhood social services organization, took control of it and transformed it into a neighborhood health and community center. They invested $22.5 million on the building’s renovation.

Los Angeles’ Boyle Hotel

The Boyle Hotel in 1978. (Photo Credit: J Jakobson / Flickr / CC BY-NC 2.0)

The Boyle Hotel was constructed in 1889 and is situated in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. It was intended to serve as a hotel and a shopping district. The first floor of the structure housed the shops, with the higher floors occupied by the hotel.

Renovations Rescued Decaying Historic Buildings
The Boyle Hotel before renovations, 2008. (Photo Credit: Metro Library and Archives / Flickr / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) | Renovations Rescued Decaying Historic Buildings

The structure is actually the last surviving commercial structure from the 1880s, when the neighborhood started to grow. It was recognized as a Los Angeles Cultural Monument in 2007 because it was a pillar of Los Angeles history.

Renovations Rescued Decaying Historic Buildings
The Boyle Hotel after renovations, 2014. (Photo Credit: Bruce Boehner / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0)

The structure deteriorated over time until the East LA Community Corporation developed it and brought it back to its previous splendor. The business contributed $25 million to the development of 51 affordable housing units for the neighborhood out of the former hotel. It is also where the Mariachi Cultural Center is located and includes three distinct rehearsal areas for local musicians.

Massachusetts’s Salem Jail

Renovations Rescued Decaying Historic Buildings
The Salem Jail during renovations, with the doors and windows removed, 2009. (Photo Credit: David Moisan / Flickr / CC BY-NC 2.0) | Renovations Rescued Decaying Historic Buildings

In Salem, Massachusetts, the site of the famed Salem Witch Trials, the Salem Jail was initially established in 1813. Various alterations have been made to the property over time. The granite structure known as the Jailer’s House was the initial part. The jail was expanded between 1884 and 1885, although the design remained consistent. It was still in use in 1991.

Renovations Rescued Decaying Historic Buildings
Removal of the original bars from the Salem Jail, 2009. (Photo Credit: David Moisan / Flickr / CC BY-NC 2.0)

Due to the lack of electricity and water, the jail was already regarded as harsh. It stood vacant for a while but was nevertheless regarded as one of Salem’s significant architectural characteristics. Unfortunately, a fire caused damage to the oldest building. The government eventually turned over control of the complex of buildings to the city, and then the Salem Redevelopment Authority.

Renovations Rescued Decaying Historic Buildings
The Salem Jail after the renovations, 2010. (Photo Credit: David Moisan / Flickr / CC BY-NC 2.0) | Renovations Rescued Decaying Historic Buildings

Later, it was determined that the structures would be united to create a space with apartments, a restaurant, and a historical museum about the structure.

Tucson, Arizona’s Ghost Ranch Lodge

Renovations Rescued Decaying Historic Buildings
Fire damage to the Ghost Ranch Lodge, 2009. (Photo Credit: midwinter / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) | Renovations Rescued Decaying Historic Buildings

Between 1941 and 1953, the Ghost Ranch Lodge in Tucson, Arizona, was constructed. The Desert Cactus Garden, for which the ranch was most famous, was one of the 20 buildings on the property. The largest Boojum tree in Arizona may be found in the garden. The site and buildings were finally abandoned until being bought in 2007 with the intention of renovating.

Renovations Rescued Decaying Historic Buildings
Ghost Ranch Lodge after the renovations, 2012. (Photo Credit: Ammodramus / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)

The restoration procedure required a great deal of time and attention to detail. The construction business made it a priority to maintain the architectural integrity of the buildings. They did this by removing each roof tile one at a time and then replacing them. After completion, the complex was transformed into low-cost housing for elderly people and those with physical disabilities.


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