RESTORATION & REHABILITATION
The ADGWC, Inc. is fully committed to the revitalization of the historic site of the AD German Wholesale Company. This site consists of two landmark structures, connected by a shared canopy. Local entrepreneur, Albert Delvino German, built the first warehouse on Hazeltine Street in 1912 to house his wholesale business. His early commercial success lead to his most lasting achievement, constructing the innovative 4 story warehouse on Church Street designed by master architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The rehabilitated warehouses will include exciting interior and exterior spaces, permitting this historic complex to become a viable, compatible and sustainable multi-use property.
The ADGWC, Inc. has retained preservation specialists, Kontext Architecture, LLC to oversee the rehabilitation of both buildings. In November 2015, the ADGWC had a Revitalization Feasibility Study developed to assess the potential scope and success for a project. In March 2017, the ADGWC and its consultants completed an intensive condition survey of the cast concrete frieze that dominates the fourth story Wright structure. This resulted in a Preservation Plan for the architectural concrete elements which are of great historic significance.
Phase I of the restoration - “Sealing the Envelope” of the building - was completed in early 2024. This phase included the following major components:
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Completion of the roof to eliminate the possibility of water damage.
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Repairing the frieze, the signature feature of the building, to eliminate deterioration and make the area around the building safe.
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Replacement of virtually all windows. As with the completion of the rooftop, the eliminated the possibility of water damage.
These elements allowed for build outs to occur inside the building. including:
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Upgrade first floor bathrooms to functional levels.
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Remodel the first floor to include a lounge and great room.
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Outfit the second floor to be a space for curated exhibits, presently featuring the Sixty Years of Living Architecture and FLW Trail exhibits.
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Outfit the third floor as the Drafting Room as a space for art creation, art instructional classes and artists in residence.
Plans and specifications for the actual rehabilitation are being prepared by Kontext Architects for the project. The ADGWC is actively engaged in fundraising to raise the balance of required funds through grants, donations and other incentives. It is the goal of ADGWC to continue rehabilitation.
THE CONSERVANCY
President
Barb Marshall
Vice President
Jane Kintz
Secretary
Ashley Mott
Treasurer
Tim Abair
Board Member
Ricki Bishop
Board Member
Amy Grassman
The AD German Warehouse Conservancy, Inc. (ADGWC) is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive space where all individuals regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, faith, religion, sexual orientation or identity, education, or disability feels welcome, valued, and respected. In addition to our mission of restoring the national treasure that is the FLW designed A.D. German Warehouse and its companion, The 1912 Warehouse, we are committed to offering a variety of programs and events which reflect the great diversity within our community and beyond. As a nonprofit organization, our goal is to provide a wide range of events and entertainment to engage the public in the ultimate mission of preserving these unique architectural gems. We strive to cultivate a welcoming, inclusive environment informed by the original vision of Frank Lloyd Wright for this beautiful, expansive building, and we are enriched by the thoughtful partnerships with diverse individuals and groups within our community. Diversity and inclusivity are at the core of what we do, and we will strive to create a space in which the public can celebrate in manifold ways the magnificence and wonder of the AD German Warehouse for generations to come.