Family-owned jeweler’s shop, Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers in Whitefish Bay, WI, decided on a second story addition while maintaining their existing 1900s building. This addition exemplifies how small-scale projects can have an outsized impact on their urban contexts. Situated along a typical American main street, the rooftop project creates an inviting place for social connection and commerce as a counterpoint to the prevalence of digital marketplaces and big-box retail. The new space includes a gathering area, prep kitchen, dining room, and bar to host a variety of neighborhood events, such as celebrations of local restauranteurs who are invited to introduce their menus.

“I appreciate the effort to create a beautiful design on historic main street that connects back to the community and helps activate the streetscape.”

 Todd Hoehn (2023 Design Awards Juror)

Built entirely by Wisconsin builders, the project uses all local materials. It celebrates craftsmen from the surrounding community as well as Wisconsin artists, who were commissioned to create original artwork for the interior. Embodied carbon emissions in retail buildings are historically high due to poor use of floor space, and a less-controlled design/construction process involving separate contracts for shell and interior fit-out.

“A beautiful space created through a simply shaped gesture at the ceiling.”

Jennifer Park, AIA (2023 Design Awards Juror)

The most effective way to reduce carbon impact is to eliminate major material groups, which turn over at 5-year intervals. As such, this project attempts to utilize the fewest number of materials possible, including raw concrete floors (no additional finish) and reduces wall layering (i.e., minimizing the presence of gypsum and plastics). The goal was to create a robust, enduring project exceeding the typical retail cycle.