Sawmill Building

Overview

BVH Architects, in collaboration with developer WRK, Inc., provided architectural design services for adaptive re-use of the Central Plains Millwork former space into a multi-tenant office complex in the historic Haymarket District.

Tenants include WRK, Inc. corporate offices, a large regional commercial contractor, an upscale deli, a law firm with real estate investments, the office of a US Senator, an interior design firm, and BVH Architects.

In converting the historic building, special attention was given to respecting existing materials while minimizing the amount of demolition debris taken to the landfill.

Examples of sustainable design techniques include:

• Re-use of salvaged wood panels for accent walls, new conference tabletops, wood floors, and mezzanine offices.
• Polished concrete floors throughout tenant areas and common spaces.
• Skylights and large windows to maximize natural daylight and minimize use of indoor lighting—90% of all tenant spaces have natural daylight.
• Extensive use of exposed brick/masonry walls to minimize drywall use.
• Use of heat reflective roof materials to reduce solar heat gain.
• Re-use of metal overhead garage doors to increase ventilation and access.
• Interior bike storage provided to encourage an alternate mode of transportation to work.
• Modern restrooms with automated flush valves and shower facilities.
• Use of light shelves to reduce solar heat gain.
• Replacement of all windows with Low E energy efficient windows, many operable.
• Use of energy efficient California loop HVAC system with zoned controls.
• Rehabilitation of loading dock into pedestrian friendly outdoor meeting and eating spaces.
• Use of low VOC adhesives during construction
• Use of energy efficient task lighting. BVH provided complete space planning services for the entire complex including the recommendation that space initially targeted for onsite covered parking be converted to our studio space providing a higher and best use for the space.

The Sawmill Building was honored with the 2008 PAL Award from the Preservation Association of Lincoln. Silver LEED certification is anticipated pending review.

Lincoln Green Map
updated 02/2012 by Lincoln Nebraska