Keg & Case - Studio M Architects

Keg and Case Market Renovation in Saint Paul, Minnesota

Overview:

Keg and Case Market is a historic renovation project undertaken by Studio M Architects in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The building, originally constructed in 1913, served as the grain storage and delivery facility for a former brewery. Train cars would pull into the building to load spent grain and beer for statewide distribution. Studio M Architects transformed this historic structure into a vibrant food hall, preserving its rich history while adapting it for modern use.

Project Goals:

- Historic Preservation: Renovate the early 20th-century brewery building while maintaining its historical integrity and securing historic tax credits.
- Functional Transformation: Convert the industrial space into a food hall accommodating 27 diverse tenants.
- Community Hub: Create central communal facilities, including restrooms, support areas, and a central kitchen for tenant use.
- Tenant-Specific Design: Design unique spaces for key tenants such as Clutch Brewing Company, Five Watt Coffee, Gentleman Forager, and Revival Kitchen and Bar.
- Efficient Use of Space: Introduce a mezzanine level to maximize usable space within the existing structure.
Timely and Budget-Conscious Execution: Complete the project within an 18-month timeline and a budget of approximately six million dollars.

Design and Implementation:

Layout and Structural Changes:
- Food Hall Conversion: Transformed the expansive industrial interior into a dynamic food hall with 27 tenant spaces, fostering a lively marketplace atmosphere.
- Mezzanine Addition: Constructed a mezzanine to create an elevated area, enhancing spatial utilization. This space became home to Clutch Brewing Company.
- Central Facilities: Developed communal amenities such as restrooms, support areas, and a central kitchen accessible to all tenants, promoting operational efficiency.
- Site Design: Undertook comprehensive site planning to improve accessibility, circulation, and overall visitor experience.
Materials and Finishes:
- Historic Elements: Preserved original architectural features to honor the building’s heritage, including brickwork, structural components, and industrial details.
- Adaptive Reuse: Selected materials that complement the historic character while providing durability and functionality required for high-traffic public spaces.
- Tenant Customization: Collaborated with individual tenants to incorporate design elements that reflect their brand and products.
Key Tenant Spaces:
- Clutch Brewing Company: Designed an elevated bar and brewery on the mezzanine level, creating a focal point within the market.
- Five Watt Coffee: Crafted a welcoming coffee shop atmosphere that blends seamlessly with the market environment.
- Gentleman Forager: Developed a retail space for this mushroom vendor, emphasizing natural textures and an organic aesthetic.
- Revival Kitchen and Bar: Created a dining space that combines modern comfort with nods to the building’s historical context.

Challenges:

Historic Preservation Compliance:
- Ensured that renovation efforts met the criteria for historic tax credits by adhering to preservation standards and guidelines.
- Balanced the need for modernization with the imperative to maintain the building’s original character and features.
Complex Coordination:
- Managed the diverse requirements of 27 tenants, each with unique spatial and functional needs.
- Orchestrated the integration of multiple businesses within a cohesive design framework.
Budget and Timeline Constraints:
- Completed the extensive renovation within the 18-month schedule.
- Maintained strict budget control to deliver the project within the nearly six-million-dollar construction budget.

Outcome:

The Keg and Case Market stands as a successful example of historic preservation and adaptive reuse. Studio M Architects transformed a century-old industrial building into a bustling food hall that serves as a community gathering place and a destination for visitors. The project preserved significant historical elements while introducing modern amenities and design features. The diverse mix of tenants benefits from thoughtfully designed spaces that cater to their specific needs. The project’s completion within the stipulated time and budget, along with the successful acquisition of historic tax credits, underscores the effective planning and execution by the architectural team. Keg and Case Market now contributes to the revitalization of the area, celebrating its history while providing contemporary value.