Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/252322
38 | I nsIgh t • F e b r u a r y 2 0 14 w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m i n s i g h t o n consruc tion s e r v i c e s B y Te r i B a r r I t starts as a dream to construct your own commercial space. But another choice is becoming a trend in northeast Wisconsin: finding and renovating what's already out there. "It's more than a 50-50 split now," Ken Koziczkowski, senior manager at ganther Construction, says. e Oshkosh company is receiving an increasing number of requests to weigh in on the worth of an old building, along with the potential costs to rehab it. "e cost really is the no. 1 consideration when remodeling," Koziczkowski says. "And when it comes to finding one to fix up, it also has to fit your needs. Does it make sense to rehab it? Or would it be more cost-efficient to tear it down and rebuild? ere are also some clients still interested in paying for property to build a brand new commercial space. But during the last few years, there have been quite a bit of these new boxes built and many have vacancies — which is why we may be seeing a return to renovating what's available. Both old and new, but already constructed space, is what we're being asked to work on right now." One of Koziczkowski's favorite examples of a well-redone business space is Cineviz in green Bay. e owners of the interactive media branding company purchased a 100-year-old building on Main street, then asked the team at ganther Construction to weigh in on a possible renovation. ey wanted this location knowing a recent study indicated more than 20,000 cars per day pass by, and the price was right with much of the area still in a downward slide. ere were two basic questions about the building: What can we do to make it useable? And what will it cost to do it? Koziczkowski describes it as a worthy challenge. "Cineviz is a creative, purpose- driven business and wanted the space to be a showpiece to its customers, almost a way of selling what they can do just by experiencing the atmosphere of the building," Koziczkowski says. "some may just need the basics to log time in an office setting, but not Cineviz." In the end, the strong bones and character of the building, with its existing brick walls, wooden floors and high ceilings, won out. e latest in technology helped pave the way to provide inspiration, Koziczkowski says. Building Information Modeling (BIM) designers created a three-dimensional, high-definition, color, animated view – an almost "fly-through" of the space, showing the expected outcome. since BIM is computerized, changing any of the building features during the process is easy and keeps the project on schedule, while remaining affordable. Cost isn't the only concern during construction, as many designers find businesses want a high-end flare on a low-end budget. nancy higgs started the Madison-based Pure + simple Online Interior Design with the goal of answering both needs. And since the work is done electronically, she has clients around the globe. "It's everything from space planning for an office where manufactured cubes will be used, to waiting rooms with the goal of comfortable furniture and calming colors, or a restaurant in need of appealing to the subconscious level of a customer to get them to enjoy the environment and eat," higgs says. e effort typically starts with photos, plans or measurements of the design-challenged space, along with an idea of style, and a budget. higgs answers with renderings in 3-D, along with a shopping guide. "Oentimes, businesses can go the environmentally friendly route by Working with what's out there Remodeling space seen as an attractive, sustainable option for businesses "Oftentimes, businesses can go the environmentally friendly route by reusing what's already in the space. I'll suggest reupholstering, or finding a new way to use an accessory." — n a n c y H i g g s , o w n e r o f P u r e + S i m p l e O n l i n e I n t e r i o r D e s i g n i n M a d i s o n