Guild Designs Building

Stevens Point, WI 
Delivery Method: Building Restoration 
Architect: Ellis Construction 

The Guild Designs’ Building has been in the heart of downtown Stevens Point since the late 1800s. When the owners approached Ellis Construction about completing a full historical renovation of the space, Ellis was up for the challenge.  

Having been renovated and added on over the years, the project brought several eccentricities and challenges to the team. The second story had been vacant for nearly 40 years and no substantial work had been done to the space since the 1980s.    

Starting with asbestos abatement, and demolition, Ellis then needed to address structural deficiencies. Most notably, the front façade of the building had pulled away from the structure to the point of the weight of the brick being the only thing holding the front façade in place. Ellis worked diligently with the City on securing the building and surrounding area and proceeded to remove the entire façade by hand. 

Ellis worked closely with the property owners and the structural engineer to constantly make improvements and decisions that enhanced safety, functionality and most important, the historical accuracy of the building. Given the restraints of the structure, all teams on the project had to think outside typical construction methodology to bring the vision to life.