Three Stores & a Cafe

Three adjacent brick storefronts in downtown Dodgeville were upgraded in the early 1990’s through participation in the Main Street Program.  The Kozelka-Wall facade was chosen as the second best renovation over $5000 in Wisconsin.  My design removed a 1970’s era mansard roof and 1950’s era angled back storefront glazing for a more traditional look. 

The front of the building was brought flush to the sidewalk, and a new entry door with transom above was centered in an alcove.  Display windows rest on paneled bulkheads and a new wood cornice and sign board help harmonize the façade with the existing older buildings along the street.

Dark brown display windows framed the merchandise of the middle building, creating a drab appearance.  The apartment windows above were also brown, in an outdated awning style.  I chose a more harmonious warm grey for new aluminum storefront framing, and added small violet colored art glass pieces above.  On the upper level, the sash looks like traditional double hungs with a center muntin.   A stepped cornice adds weight to the top of the building.  The inset entry was squared off, and the outdoor carpet was replaced with tile. 

The third storefront is used as an office.  I replaced narrow aluminum single glazed windows with a more substantial brick red sash and added transoms above.   The blue awning was replaced with a striped canvas design, which complements the warm tones of the brick.

Across the street is a café with a friendly interior.  Originally a grocery, it had been used as office space for many years.  The problem of creating intimate seating areas within the austere, boxy space was solved by building an angled mezzanine in the center.  Diners can choose a table in front with view of the street, a place in back near the kitchen, or up a half flight of stairs to overlook the main floor.

Oak shelving lines one wall, for books, newspapers and other merchandise.  The owners selected bright colors and artwork for an eclectic look.

Photos by Eric Wallner of Dodgeville.