Blog

By Joanne Linzer,  Class of 2000

Adaptive reuse is on the rise in Chicago. The Old Post Office, Union Station, and Cook County Hospital recently made headlines as the restored structures made a seismic impact on their neighborhoods.

But in a different neighborhood, Old Irving Park, we see adaptive reuse in action through the renovation of the ERIS Brewery and Cider House. Co-founders Katy Pizza and Michelle Foik envisioned a new space with character. The 1911 building was the home of the Myrtle Masonic Temple until 1981 when it was sold to the Korean Bethel Church. The process of converting it into Eris began in 2014, with the doors opening in 2018.  WRAP architecture renovated the challenging historical building, creating a new identity while preserving history and thinking sustainably by introducing some new ideas.

Dealing with the original existing infrastructure was the most important task facing the owners. They wanted to use the original elements and redesign old objects to create a space that is appealing, unique, and sustainable. Often materials, when recovered or recycled from demolitions, are damaged beyond repair or don’t fit the design. However, the ERIS Brewery and Cider project used recycled elements in creative ways, ranging from improvements in the energy efficiency of the building to using historical details that define and add drama to the space.

Many of the building’s original features—old vaults, the ceiling beams, light fixtures, and radiators—were restored to their original splendor but used in a different way. The radiators were separated and became balustrades for the staircases and walkways, the old vaults were repurposed to a decorative function, bank tables became the bar, and old wood was used to frame table tops. Riveted steel beams were repainted to add drama to the room, and old stove top burners now create a decorative light feature above the kitchen area..

Adaptive reuse ensures the maximum use of material lifespans and also reduces waste.  The uniqueness of older buildings offers historical details and interesting stories that instantly add depth and character impossible to achieve with a new build project. Among many benefits, adaptive reuse redefines how people engage and respond to memorable spaces rich with history, and the reduced carbon footprint offered by using an existing structure makes it a sustainable choice.

In the end, the co-owner spent a significantly greater amount of money than they would have. But the building is unique, has a history with the neighborhood, contains architectural details from the past, and sustainable practices were achieved.

Historic renovation allows historic buildings tell the story of a place. Tearing them down erases the past. People visit cities because they have a past and buildings tell a story of a place. Restored buildings can reinvigorate the surrounding neighborhood.

There is still more opportunity for renovation waiting in ERIS’ upper floor space that promises to be awesome.  Stay Tuned!

Thank you, Katie and Michelle, for the tour. Oh, by the way, ERIS was inspired by the eponymous Greek goddess notorious for causing mayhem, a nod to the complexities the new owners faced during this adaptive reuse project.