PARTNERS In Architecture Develop Mount Clemens Firehouse

 

Revitalizing Mount Clemens History

The Old Mount Clemens “Engine House No. 3”, originally built in 1908, is undergoing a major revitalization.  This approximately 8,300 square foot, two story “Architectural Gem” will become the new home of the local, Mount Clemens-based architectural firm PARTNERS in Architecture, PLC.  Firm owners, David Gassen and Michael Malone, purchased the building in 2009 and state that they have had their eye on it since they founded the firm and moved to Mount Clemens in 2005.  The building has been approximately 92% vacant for many years.  It is located on the corner of Market Street and Cherry Street.

PARTNERS in Architecture, PLC will occupy a portion of the first floor and the entire second floor, providing the growing firm with much needed space to expand, and thus allowing prime first floor space for lease.  Approximately 70 % of the building is leased.

The building has an abundance of exceptional architectural detail, common to a building of its vintage. One of the major objectives of the renovation is to preserve and restore as much of the existing building as possible.  On the exterior, the existing brick is in exceptional condition and will remain; the sandstone base will be refurbished and the existing windows are being restored.  New period-correct entry doors and simulated carriage house doors are also to be installed.  On the interior, the existing oak window trim is being stripped and refinished and the existing tin and wood bead board ceilings are to be restored. Also, a portion of the existing wood floor is being reclaimed and reused as a finish wall material in certain locations.

The project is planned to be completed and occupied sometime in October.  The restoration efforts have been designed in accordance with the US Green Building Council’s LEED Rating System (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).  The building owners will be pursuing LEED Certification for the building as well as Historical Designation.  This project is one of the few (if not only) projects in Macomb County that is pursuing both LEED Certification and Historical Designation.  

The newly renovated building will be a welcome addition to the downtown Mount Clemens area, and will showcase the many capabilities of its new owners, PARTNERS in Architecture  PLC .