building restoration experts
what makes us different
- business-minded approach
- success factors up-front
- we help find funding
- team of experts
- our philosophy
our work
getting started
Our Philosophy on Architectural Preservation
It is important to preserve the things we’ve built in the past.
This shows respect for our history and where we came from and creates a comfortable and familiar environment.
Take a moment to get further insight on Jeff Wray Architects' philosophy on:
Architectural Preservation
Historic preservation - really the most sustainable kind of design work we
can do, is a way to preserve communities and renovate the character of cities,
by creatively adapting them to a new use.
We need to keep a more compact community. We can't continue expanding as we are now because it costs money -- to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars, to expand the infrastructure to support the sprawl (more sewer, water, utilities, roadways, etc.) Sprawl impacts the quality of the environment for all of us and for all of our children. Our communities realize this. Throughout our region and the country, communities are embracing the concept of "smart growth".
The quality of the urban environment is improving -- here in Dayton and other urban centers, because of historic preservation and those who support the lifestyle that comes with it.
We believe and are committed to "Smart Growth", green design, and sustainable design.
This philosophy goes beyond the saving of old buildings - it:
- sustains environments
- protects our future
- enriches our community & our culture
We can build new buildings with the same values, but we must be smart on how we use our resources. The "new urbanism" - the mix of living and working in close proximity - is what has been done in cities for centuries.
Thoughts on a Local Dayton Treasure - The Arcade
The Arcade has had many rebirths over the years, but none that were long-lasting
and sustainable. Many have given up on the project but we believe that it
is a VERY worthwhile, doable project.
We say this because we understand Dayton, The Arcade, and the challenges and possibilities associated with historic renovation projects. The potential of the Arcade lies in the potential of the city. If conceived holistically and with all the tools for historic renovation, it can be the most exciting thing in downtown Dayton.
Background on The Arcade
The Arcade has a high percentage of common public area compared to private, income producing area due to covenants on the property that require that the first and second floors be reserved for public use. The upper levels were originally built for residential use, but now stand vacant. A concept that creates a mixed-use block of office, retail, and residential is essential for success.
Making The Arcade Successful
Currently, the City of Dayton is looking for money to fund a viable use for The Arcade. We feel that this is backwards.
Instead, they need to be looking for individuals or groups who are passionate about preserving the grand space and its heritage (a public consensus) and finding a viable use.
Once identified, these individuals will work hard to explore all possibilities to make their dream come true. The "white knight" won't come in the form of an out-of-town developer. Success requires a strong community willing to make it happen.
A first step is a well informed feasibility study and financial performance analysis. Interested in other ideas? Give us a call.
Thoughts on The Historic Piqua Hotel Restoration Project
We
love to tell the story of the historic Piqua Hotel restoration project. It
will be so successful! Why? Well, so many things, but two important ones are
that it started out with a city with the will to make it happen and a tenant
- the public library.
The public library was cramped in their current space with no money for new space (no building fund; only an operating budget to pay rent at $3 sq/ft - cheap even for Piqua Ohio).
A dedicated Piqua business community (there is no "developer" or single entity that had a lot of money) contributed $1 million for library operating expenses contingent upon the library moving in to the renovated hotel, and then publicly supported the project through the stages of development.
Federal tax credits and new market tax credits paid for 1/3 of the renovation.
This will be a win-win situation for everyone:
- The tax payers will not have a bond or levy to support
- The run-down hotel (a white elephant in the center of town) will become a restored beauty -- useful as a central community resource that generates taxes with additional retail space and a community conference center
- The renovated building location will end up giving the library three times the space as their former location at a fraction of the cost of new construction
- The renovation will spur the continued revitalization of Piqua's central business district
Contact Us
Let the expertise of Jeff Wray Architects get your historic restoration project moving forward.
- Call us today at 937-461-4694 (EST) or
- Email us
