HATCH MONTGOMERY WARD BUILDING
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Sioux City, IA
Est. 2024
Originally built and occupied by Montgomery Ward department store - the 42,000 sf structure was originally two story on the east half; three story on the west half. The store closed in the 1970’s. Since that time, the only other tenants were an office supply company and a furniture retailer. We are currently working with the Owner to get the building placed on the National Registry of Historic Places. We started design work and construction documents for converting the upper floors into apartment units and had met with a general contractor to work up early cost estimates. The project stalled when a grant that the Owner was hoping to use for construction fell through. In the middle of the Historic Tax Credit Application process for the project, one of the big hurdles was getting approval from the State Historic Preservation Office to add a fourth floor on the west half of the building. Using documentation in the original drawings which show a proposed future addition in that location that had never been constructed, SGA was able to demonstrate that the addition would not alter the visual character and impact from the street, thus obtaining approval. The position of the building in the middle of the block posed a unique challenge: a petition the City and neighboring building was needed to place new electrical service. Also, the existing elevator shaft had to be creatively modified to meet current code requirements. The 30 one and two bedroom apartments are located throughout the building on every floor. They feature original flooring and replicas of the original industrial type windows. Each unit has their own HVAC and all major appliances. Tenants have access to rooftop patio and storage in the basement. The tall parapet provides a good amount of privacy on the rooftop patio. The East façade boasts replica signage and the retail space is finished with a commercial tenant who maintains the open retail flow, honoring the historic Montgomery Ward department store vibe and showcases several historical elements throughout the space.