by Shane Henson — October 28, 2013—Detroit-based Kraemer Design Group, PLC (KDG) recently announced the completion of design projects at two properties in the newly dubbed “M@dison Block” at 1520 and 1528 Woodward Avenue in Detroit, both owned by Bedrock Real Estate.
According to KDG Interiors Director Heather McKeon, KDG’s contract to work on the project came after they were originally hired as consultants.
“Once we demonstrated to Bedrock the outstanding potential of the buildings and shared our unique vision for renovation, we were offered the opportunity to do the entire core and shell work, which included maintaining and updating the infrastructure, exterior, and common areas of the building,” said McKeon. “We were pleased to take the project from beginning to completion and create vibrant, contemporary spaces that preserve the character of these historic buildings.”
The space at 1520 Woodward Avenue, the former Lane Bryant Building, which was first constructed in 1909, is now comprised mostly of office space with the potential for retail in the first floor and basement. KDG engaged with first and sixth floor tenant Detroit Labs on interior design to create an open workspace that artfully juxtaposes the old structural wood framing and exposed brick with new, finished interior design elements.
“As a creative start-up, Detroit Labs needed a flexible space that embodied its personality and encouraged collaboration among its employees. To bring this concept to life, we activated the two-story suite by cutting a hole in the floor, then repurposed the wood we removed for railings and accent pieces in the conference rooms,” said McKeon.
1528 Woodward Avenue, a 45,146-square-foot, six-story building, originally constructed in 1916, now exudes a midcentury appeal from its renovation in 1960 when it became the headquarters for the United Foundation. The second floor contains conference room spaces and a lounge that could host a variety of events, and KDG restored and updated its décor in a style that complements the remaining 1960s-era components. KDG created clean, bright, and modern elements within each of the tenant spaces, allowing future tenants flexibility in customizing their space.
The office floors of the building are now filled up, with Sachse Construction occupying the building’s top two floors. Kraemer Design Group serves as the architect on the third and fourth floor tenant spaces, which house Bizdom U and a Bedrock co-working space. Retail space is still available on the ground floor, says KDG.
