Deemed a “problem house” by local inspectors, a neighbor with a passion for stone buildings, through his historical research and architectural archaeology, discovered a building’s true provenance — used 146 years as a house — as a German lager saloon. Pre-civil war Bavarian immigrant, Anton Waldmann, operated the lager saloon from 1857-1863 in the old limestone house of the Uppertown neighborhood of St Paul. This unique structure through careful restoration and reconstruction is brought back to life to the new Waldmann taproom supported by a new addition complete with brewery and kitchen.
Restoration of stone building: Stone stoop — change in grade from historic elevation (1 step to 2 feet) Commercial storefront — 160 year old wooden beam used as a lintel over the original commercial window was failing and replaced with a steel beam Doors — mortise and tenon joints, hand planed, 2 panel, wood peg joinery 6 over 6 windows — no parting stops, utilizing peg supports Intimacy of the small spaces 2. Reconstruction of 1850’s frame addition: Flooring — Douglas fir tongue & groove to match stone building floors New staircase — How to create a code compliant staircase in a historic reconstruction Chimney — Second floor brick masonry chimney newly supported with steel Return eaves — 1850’s return eaves were very thin in horizontal profile. Master craftsmen re-created 3. New addition of commercial brewery & kitchen: ADA access — How to accommodate accessible design in historic context Wood frame with concrete & steel heavy duty equipment loads — integration of the two building systems Clean-out for grease hood — Gable structure versus a flat roof and how provide appropriate maintenance access Restriction of Historic Preservation Commission of no roof penetrations on East side of gable roof — all mechanicals had to vent to west side of gable roof Daylighting — use of light wells as a natural light source alternative to windows due to property line proximity Submarine-like design of the brewhouse — Maxed out industrial design had to be integrated into the limited space
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