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Retrofit magazine Magazine for building owners, managers and professionals interested in renovation of commercial buildings and systems.

This week’s featured video on RetrofitTV.com spotlights a true transformation story.Once a boarded-up, 220,000-square-fo...
09/01/2026

This week’s featured video on RetrofitTV.com spotlights a true transformation story.

Once a boarded-up, 220,000-square-foot industrial building next to the Dayton Dragons’ Fifth Third Field, the historic 1912 Delco building has been reimagined as Delco Lofts, a vibrant mixed-use destination in the heart of downtown Dayton.

The adaptive reuse project turned a long-abandoned landmark tied to inventor Charles F. Kettering into 133 market-rate apartments, a microbrewery and an anchor for the growing Water Street District. The project also earned Retrofit’s 2019 Metamorphosis Award in the Mixed Use category, taking home the only honor awarded that year.

Watch how thoughtful redevelopment helped spark a broader downtown revival, now featured on retrofitTV.com.

How do you honor history while designing for modern use?A Northwest Florida realtor reimagines an 1855 historic home int...
08/01/2026

How do you honor history while designing for modern use?

A Northwest Florida realtor reimagines an 1855 historic home into a vibrant “shop, dine and unwind” destination. The project thoughtfully balances preservation requirements with modern performance, demonstrating how adaptive reuse and smart material choices, including Everlast, Advanced Composite Siding, can bring new life to landmark buildings.

From navigating historic district approvals to selecting low-maintenance, long-lasting siding, discover valuable insight for architects, builders, and property owners tackling mixed-use and historic retrofit projects: https://ow.ly/fVYo50XSfVs

Spotlight: Adaptive Reuse - 3rd PlaceDating back to 1910, this former stove factory sat vacant for nearly 50 years bef...
07/01/2026

Spotlight: Adaptive Reuse - 3rd Place

Dating back to 1910, this former stove factory sat vacant for nearly 50 years before being reimagined into a bold, contemporary headquarters for Brown & Crouppen, Missouri’s largest injury law firm. Designed by HOK, the 48,000-square-foot adaptive reuse project intentionally breaks away from the traditional “formal legal office” to offer a dynamic, post-pandemic workplace rooted in creativity, connection and comfort.

The loft-inspired space features a central town hall, an expansive social hub beneath original 30-foot ceilings, a fitness center, event space, a recording studio and even an Airstream trailer repurposed as a conference room. Original elements such as tongue-and-groove wood floors, exposed brick, clerestory windows, and nearly 1,500 feet of reclaimed copper bars were carefully restored and reimagined, blending the building’s industrial past with modern workplace needs.

Discover how thoughtful design can preserve history, elevate the employee experience and inspire people to return to the office, all while proving that adaptive reuse can be both sophisticated and fun: https://ow.ly/Ug5u50XSgeu

Retrofit Team:
Architect, Interior Designer and Lighting Designer: HOK
Structural Engineer: KPFF
Developer: Third Man Development
General Contractor: PARIC

As medical research continues to evolve, institutions are finding smarter ways to grow within existing campuses. Washing...
06/01/2026

As medical research continues to evolve, institutions are finding smarter ways to grow within existing campuses. Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis offers a compelling example of how vertical expansion can unlock new capacity without disrupting critical operations.

The six-story addition to the Steven & Susan Lipstein BJC Institute of Health introduces 160,000 square feet of advanced laboratory and support space, including a cGMP-compliant biologic therapy facility designed to support next-generation cancer treatments. Designed by Lawrence Group, the project highlights how precision planning, collaboration and healthcare expertise can deliver highly specialized environments in complex, active settings.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/v8Lx50XQcFk

From façade systems and acoustic upgrades to roofing innovations shaping the built environment, the December Hot Product...
05/01/2026

From façade systems and acoustic upgrades to roofing innovations shaping the built environment, the December Hot Products newsletter spotlighted the retrofit solutions our readers loved most. In case you missed it, catch up here: https://ow.ly/GU0F50XRMcV

Stay in the know this year. Subscribe and have the industry’s hottest products delivered straight to your inbox: retrofitmagazine.com/subscribe

2025 marked a major milestone for the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association as it celebrated 100 years of advancin...
05/01/2026

2025 marked a major milestone for the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association as it celebrated 100 years of advancing safety, security and innovation across the builders hardware industry. From honoring the visionaries who built its foundation to looking ahead at the technologies shaping the next era, BHMA’s centennial reflects a century of collaboration and progress.

Explore how BHMA is honoring its legacy while setting the standard for the next 100 years: https://ow.ly/6BXi50XQcz6

This week on https://ow.ly/j4Fb50XQcxP, we’re spotlighting the meticulous restoration of the Apollo Mission Control Cent...
02/01/2026

This week on https://ow.ly/j4Fb50XQcxP, we’re spotlighting the meticulous restoration of the Apollo Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, which has been returned to its exact appearance on July 20, 1969, the day Apollo 11 landed on the moon. From consoles and ceiling tiles to coffee cups and ashtrays, every detail was restored with precision to honor the flight controllers who helped make history.

To learn more about the project, watch the video on https://ow.ly/j4Fb50XQcxP or read the full article by our editorial director: https://retrofitmagazine.com/the-apollo-mission-control-center-in-houston-is-accurately-restored-to-july-20-1969-the-date-apollo-11-landed-on-the-moon/which has been

As today marks the start of a new year, it’s the perfect time to look ahead at how our homes are evolving. ✨ According t...
01/01/2026

As today marks the start of a new year, it’s the perfect time to look ahead at how our homes are evolving. ✨ According to new insights from Houzz, warmer traditional details, Art Deco influences, zoned built-ins, immersive visualization tools and transparent renovation processes are shaping residential design in 2026.

In our latest blog, we break down the top 2026 U.S. home design predictions and what they mean for homeowners, designers and builders alike. Discover what homes this year will look like: https://ow.ly/ckCf50XQcot

Spotlight: Historic - 2nd PlaceOnce written off as too outdated to save, this 1875 department store in downtown Hastin...
31/12/2025

Spotlight: Historic - 2nd Place

Once written off as too outdated to save, this 1875 department store in downtown Hastings, Nebraska, has been brought back to life by doing something radical: removing everything that never belonged.

What had become a windowless, metal-clad discount store was carefully peeled back to reveal original masonry, limestone, storefront glass and soaring volumes beneath. Rather than layering on new finishes, the team focused on subtraction—restoring sightlines, uncovering arch windows and reactivating the building’s full three-story retail experience. With reclaimed fixtures, salvaged materials and surgical life-safety upgrades, the historic structure now houses a vibrant, community-driven retail destination rooted in its past and designed for today.

Discover this powerful example of how restraint, resourcefulness and local commitment can revive Main Street and prove that preservation and commercial viability can go hand in hand: https://retrofitmagazine.com/subtracting-past-renovations-uncovers-a-main-street-retail-buildings-beautiful-bones/

Retrofit Team:
Architect: Goodlife Architecture
MEP Engineer: Morrissey Engineering, Inc.
Structural Engineer: Lange Structural Group
General Contractor: Cardinal Construction
Development Consultant: Queen City Development Group
Façade Enhancements: Hastings Community Redevelopment Authority
Historic Tax Credits Coordinator: Re:Ignite Strategies

Originally built in 1958 for Seattle artist Alden Mason, this Northwest Mid-Century Modern home was thoughtfully updated...
30/12/2025

Originally built in 1958 for Seattle artist Alden Mason, this Northwest Mid-Century Modern home was thoughtfully updated to support modern family life, without losing the spirit that made it special.

From subtle storage solutions and a reimagined kitchen to comfort upgrades that respect the home’s original design, the renovation shows how restraint, craft and care can extend the life of an architectural gem.

Explore how Ueda Design Studio honored the home’s artistic legacy while preparing it for the next generation: https://ow.ly/C1Ce50XQc0S

PHOTOS: Kevin Scott

Located in San Antonio’s Monte Vista Historic District, The Allen shows what’s possible when historic preservation meets...
29/12/2025

Located in San Antonio’s Monte Vista Historic District, The Allen shows what’s possible when historic preservation meets modern workplace design.

Built in 1928 as a furniture showroom, Studio8 Architects and Guido Companies worked together to preserve the building’s original brick façade, stone detailing and architectural character while thoughtfully reimagining it as a contemporary co-working and office space. From lowering the second floor to improve functionality to uncovering original windows and reusing salvaged materials, every intervention was made with intention.

Discover how this project proves adaptive reuse can honor a building’s history while creating flexible, forward-looking spaces designed for how people work today: https://ow.ly/YtV650XQ6zr

Wishing you a happy holiday season filled with joy, rest and inspiration. Thank you for being part of the Retrofit commu...
25/12/2025

Wishing you a happy holiday season filled with joy, rest and inspiration. Thank you for being part of the Retrofit community and for celebrating thoughtful design, preservation and innovation with us throughout the year. We look forward to sharing more stories and transformations in the year ahead.

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