04-30-2007 8 properties ‘raise the bar’ for design excellence

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Center, Jack Roberts, chief executive officer. ■ Historic preservation—Palais Royale, 105 W. Colfax Ave. Closed since 1968 and unused for 30 years, the Palais Royale under went a $6.9-million public-private renovation effort from December 2001 through its grand re-opening on New Year's Eve 2002. "The renovation efforts feature details such as the repair and refurbishment of the Grand Terrazzo staircase, which creates a grand entrance into the ballroom,"according to nominating documentation. "Similar palettes, ornaments, techniques and design were used to create a room in which the charm and grandeur of the original 1920s ballroom are recaptured with historical accuracy." Forsey Construction, Conrad Schmidt and City Awning were involved in the reconstruction on behalf of Morris Entertainment Inc. and the Morris Performing Arts Center, Dennis Andres, executive director. "There's nothing like it anywhere else in the country,"Bergeman said. ■ Adaptive reuse—South Bend Civic Theatre, 211 W.Madison St., acquired, renovated and adapted the former Scottish Rite Building along Main Street, originally built in 1916 as the First Church of Christ Scientist. The 12-month, $4 million renovation was completed in time for the community theater's 50" anniversary. The historic landmark includes a 209-seat auditorium; a two-story, 5,000-square foot technical wing; a studio theater as well as a concession stand and other amenities. Architectural Design Group Inc. was the project's architect. Majority Builders, Inc., served as general contractor for the renovation and adaptation. ■ Interior tenant improvement—Two properties received awards in this category: • Colfax Place, Colfax Avenue and Lafayette Boulevard. Developer John Phair of Holladay Properties converted the seven-story 1929 building from offices into luxury condominiums. Today the building, now on the National Register of Historic Places, features large, custom-built floor plans and"says more about what is the future of downtown,"Bergeman said. • Morris Bistro, in the lower level of the Morris Performing Arts Center, opened in 2003, turning a little-used portion of the historic facility into a 100-seat restaurant and wine bar. Theater-goers can enjoy dinner and cocktails two hours before the show and since June 2004 it is open for lunch weekdays. ■ Special recognition—Firehouse Hose Co. No. 3, Hill Street. New owners lion and Glenda Lamont acquired the 1892 building, which they are restoring as a private home with businesses on the first floor. Working with Kil Architecture&Planning, Kaser-Spraker Construction, Masonry Cosmetics Inc., and Serenescapes Inc., the couple oversaw the restoration of this East Bank Village property. - 30 -