Greensburg, PA

This former automobile dealership from 1926 and a Nash Automotive dealership in the 1940’s is a well known landmark in downtown Greensburg, PA. The new owners intend to expand their retail store business by adding another store location to their business model; this city was the prime location. Participating with a major hardware store chain, they purchased an unoccupied building that had most recently served as an equipment rental store. The architect’s concept was to celebrate the hardware store aspect of its new function while paying respect to the original structure. The previous interior renovation work was stripped to reveal the original plaster beams and ornate ceiling. Even the original wood storefront was largely intact. Modern insertions played on the hardware theme of aluminum components and exposed connectors and fasteners. A new storefront is inserted neatly into the original framework along with a new banner, monument sign and canopy over the new entrance door. The use of an abandoned existing building with this much character is always the first step in thinking green and a revitalization tool to the local downtown area.

Client: Thrift Supply, Ace Hardware

Architect: lee CALISTI architecture+design

Contractor: Owner

Structural Engineering Consultant: Morris Knowles and Associates

MEP Engineering Consultant: AJC Professional Services

Photographer: Skysight Photography